Skip to main content

Cilantro Tandoori Chicken with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

I love tandoori-style cooking, derived from India’s clay tandoor oven, because the chicken stays unbelievably moist and juicy, even after grilling. To give new life to the traditional yogurt-based marinade, I add flavors more indigenous to Mexico and pair this dish with a pineapple and serrano salsa.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

1Ā 1/2 cups plain yogurt
1 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves
4 garlic cloves
One 1/2-inch-thick piece fresh ginger, peeled
1Ā 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1Ā 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
One 4-pound chicken, cut into 6 pieces (2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 legs)
Grilled Pineapple Salsa (page 173)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the yogurt, cilantro, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and salt in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth. Transfer the marinade to a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.

    Step 2

    Prepare a grill to medium-high heat, or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

    Step 3

    Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off the excess. Discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 12 minutes per side, or until just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a platter, top with the salsa, and serve.

Fresh Mexico
Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
Not stuffed shells. But not not stuffed shells either.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
A veg-forward main or gets-along-with-everyone side.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
The most efficient method takes less than an hour, but you might not even need it.