Arone H Are you a fan of bold flavors, crispy textures, and a touch of spice? If so, you’re going to fall in love with these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Tandoori Style! Inspired by the iconic Indian tandoori chicken, these wings bring the same warm, aromatic spices and charred goodness to your table — all without needing a tandoor oven. This recipe is perfect for game days, family dinners, or any time you crave something uniquely delicious.
Let’s dive into a comprehensive guide on how to make these mouthwatering wings, including tips, techniques, and pairing suggestions.
Why Tandoori-Style Wings?
Tandoori chicken is a quintessential dish in Indian cuisine, traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. The dish is known for its bold flavors, vibrant red-orange hue, and irresistibly smoky, charred exterior. While the tandoor oven imparts a unique flavor, you can achieve a similar result at home by marinating chicken with the right blend of spices and baking it at a high temperature. These wings offer a crispy, juicy, and flavorful experience that mimics the best of authentic tandoori chicken. Plus, they’re healthier since they’re baked instead of deep-fried.
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds chicken drumettes and/or wings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika (not hot)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (heaping)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- Dash or two of Sriracha (optional for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
For the Minted Yogurt Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 small garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
The marinade is the heart of this recipe. Combining yogurt with a medley of spices creates a tangy, rich base that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with layers of flavor.
- In a large bowl, mix the following spices: paprika, garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha (if using) to the bowl. Mix until the marinade is smooth and well-blended.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Drying the wings ensures they crisp up in the oven.
- Add the wings to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until fully coated. Use your hands for even distribution.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the wings to a zip-top bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). A high temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the wings, helping them crisp up.
- Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
3. Bake the Wings
- Remove the wings from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Arrange them on the wire rack in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
- For an extra charred effect, switch to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the wings to prevent burning.
4. Prepare the Minted Yogurt Dipping Sauce
While the wings are baking, whip up the cool and refreshing dipping sauce. This sauce provides a creamy contrast to the spiced wings.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint.
- Add a pinch of salt and stir until well-blended.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the wings are beautifully golden and crisp, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before plating.
- Arrange the wings on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve with the minted yogurt dipping sauce on the side.
- Pair with naan, flatbread, or a light cucumber-tomato salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Marination is Key: While a short marination (2 hours) will still deliver good flavor, overnight marination allows the spices and yogurt to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in maximum tenderness and taste.
- Use Drumettes for Meatiness: Drumettes are meatier and easier to handle, but you can use a combination of drumettes and flats for variety.
- Don’t Skip the Rack: Baking the wings on a wire rack ensures air circulation, which is essential for crisping up the skin.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne and Sriracha based on your spice tolerance. You can also omit them entirely for a milder version.
- Broil for Char: For that authentic tandoori-style char, use the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Why Bake Instead of Fry?
Baking is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it significantly reduces the amount of oil used. The yogurt marinade not only adds flavor but also helps the wings achieve a crispy texture in the oven. By using high heat and a wire rack, you can replicate the crispiness of fried wings without the extra calories.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 445
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
These baked wings offer a balanced mix of protein and healthy fats, making them a satisfying and relatively guilt-free treat.
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, consider pairing the wings with:
- Naan or Flatbread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Cucumber-Tomato Salad: A light and refreshing side dish that complements the spices.
- Masala Fries: Crispy fries seasoned with Indian spices for a fun twist.
- Chutney: Mint or tamarind chutney adds another layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the wings in a single layer for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: What if I don’t have garam masala?
A: You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Tandoori Style are a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine in a fun and shareable format. With a perfect balance of spice, tanginess, and crunch, these wings are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Serve them with the cool minted yogurt dipping sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s as satisfying as it is memorable. So fire up your oven and give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you!
