Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish consisting of chicken legs or thighs marinated in yogurt and spices like chili powder, garam masala, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. It is traditionally roasted at high temperatures in a tandoor clay oven. The yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a tangy flavor.
Why Use Yogurt?
Yogurt contains enzymes that help break down proteins in the chicken, making it more tender. The lactic acid in yogurt also marinates and flavors the chicken. Yogurt helps the spices adhere to the chicken and seep into it while marinating. It provides a tangy, creamy base for the marinade.
Yogurt Substitutes for Tandoori Chicken
If you don’t have yogurt, don’t worry! There are several ingredients you can use instead to achieve a similar tender and flavorful tandoori chicken:
Buttermilk
Like yogurt, buttermilk is tangy and contains lactic acid that helps tenderize the chicken. It has a similar consistency to yogurt which makes it a great substitute in tandoori chicken marinade. Simply use the same amount of buttermilk as the recipe calls for yogurt.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is thicker and has a higher protein content than regular yogurt. Since it is less watery, it will add plenty of moisture and flavor to the chicken. Use the same amount of Greek yogurt to replace regular yogurt.
Sour Cream
Sour cream has a thick, creamy texture that mimics the texture of yogurt well in marinades. It provides tanginess from the cultured cream and milk fat that keeps the chicken juicy. Replace yogurt with the same amount of sour cream.
Lemon Juice
The acidity in lemon juice helps break down chicken proteins just like yogurt. Combine lemon juice with plain yogurt for a more pronounced lemony flavor. Use 1 tablespoon lemon juice per 1 cup of yogurt.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used to marinate the chicken. The acetic acid in vinegar tenderizes the meat. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace yogurt.
Labneh
Labneh is a Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese with a thick, creamy texture. Use an equal amount of labneh in place of regular yogurt in the marinade.
Kefir
This fermented milk is tangy like yogurt but thinner in texture. Replace yogurt with an equal amount of kefir.
Coconut Milk
The fat in coconut milk keeps the chicken moist and lends a sweet creaminess. Use an equal amount as the yogurt and add lemon juice for tanginess.
Paneer
This fresh Indian cheese can be blended into a marinade for flavor and thickness. Use about half the amount of paneer to yogurt and blend with spices.
Tips for Making Tandoori Chicken Without Yogurt
- Use chicken thighs for more moist, tender meat without yogurt.
- Cut slashes into the chicken before marinating to help the flavors penetrate.
- Marinate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight if not using yogurt.
- Add more spice like cayenne, red chili powder or paprika for flavor without yogurt.
- Brush the marinade over the chicken halfway through roasting.
- Roast at a high temperature of 400-450°F to crisp and caramelize the exterior.
Sample Tandoori Chicken Recipe Without Yogurt
Try this simple recipe for delicious tandoori chicken without yogurt:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks and thighs
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Make slashes in the chicken pieces. Combine all ingredients except chicken and cilantro in a bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours refrigerated or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Roast for 15 minutes on one side. Turn chicken pieces and roast for 10 more minutes until browned and cooked through. Brush with leftover marinade halfway through roasting.
- Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Conclusion
With ingredients like buttermilk, Greek yogurt, vinegar, kefir or coconut milk, it’s easy to make delicious tandoori chicken without regular yogurt. The key is using an acidic, creamy ingredient to help tenderize and flavor the chicken. Spice it up with plenty of aromatic spices, marinate for a few hours and roast at a high heat for perfect, juicy tandoori chicken without yogurt.