How To Cook Tandoori Chicken In LG Microwave Oven

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Introduction

Welcome to the world of delicious flavors and aromatic spices! If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, you must have heard of tandoori chicken. Tandoori chicken is a mouthwatering dish that originated in the northern region of India. Traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor, this incredibly flavorful dish is now easily made at home using a microwave oven.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking tandoori chicken in an LG microwave oven. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you will be able to create a restaurant-worthy tandoori chicken dish right in the comfort of your own home.

Before we dive into the cooking process, it is important to note that marinating the chicken is a crucial step in achieving the authentic tandoori flavor. The marinade consists of a blend of spices and yogurt, which not only imparts flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.

Now, let’s gather all the ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to prepare delicious tandoori chicken in the LG microwave oven!

Preparing the Chicken

Before we begin marinating the chicken, it is important to ensure that it is properly prepared. Start by selecting fresh and tender chicken pieces. You can choose boneless chicken breasts or drumsticks, depending on your preference.

Once you have the chicken, give it a good rinse under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the marinade adhere better to the chicken.

Next, it’s time to make deep incisions in the chicken pieces. This is done to allow the flavors from the marinade to penetrate the meat. Take a sharp knife and make deep cuts in a crisscross pattern on both sides of the chicken pieces.

Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces and then set them aside while we move on to creating the marinade.

Note: If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can also add some green chilies to the marinade. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

Now that the chicken is prepared, let’s move on to the important step of marinating.

Marinating the Chicken

The marinade is the key to achieving the authentic and flavorful taste of tandoori chicken. It consists of a combination of spices, yogurt, and other ingredients that infuse the chicken with a burst of flavors.

To prepare the marinade, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well until all the spices are thoroughly incorporated into the yogurt.

Add the prepared chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure that they are well-coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it seeps into the incisions that were made earlier. For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 to 4 hours. If you have more time, you can even marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and the marinade into a ziplock bag. This will prevent the flavors from escaping and also make it easier for marinating in the refrigerator.

Now that the chicken is marinating, let’s move on to the next step of preheating the LG microwave oven.

Preheating the Microwave Oven

Preheating the microwave oven is an essential step to ensure that the tandoori chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. By preheating the oven, you will create a perfect cooking environment that allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.

To preheat your LG microwave oven, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the microwave oven is clean and free from any food residue.
2. Place a microwave-safe plate or tray in the center of the microwave oven.
3. Set the microwave oven to the highest power setting (typically 100%) and turn it on for about 5 minutes.
4. Allow the microwave oven to heat up until it reaches the desired temperature.

Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot plate or tray from the microwave oven using oven mitts or kitchen towels. Place it on a heat-resistant surface.

Now that the microwave oven is preheated, we are ready to move on to the exciting phase of cooking the tandoori chicken!

To cook tandoori chicken in an LG microwave oven, marinate the chicken in yogurt and tandoori spices for at least 2 hours, then place it on a microwave-safe rack and cook on high for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking the Tandoori Chicken

Now that the chicken is marinated and the microwave oven is preheated, it’s time to cook the tandoori chicken. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked and flavorful tandoori chicken:

1. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the preheated microwave-safe plate or tray. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces for even cooking.
2. Place the plate or tray with the chicken in the microwave oven and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap the heat and steam, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
3. Set the microwave oven to the “Grill” or “Combination” mode. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and size of the chicken pieces. As a general guideline, cook the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes on medium-high heat.
4. Halfway through the cooking time, carefully remove the plate or tray from the microwave oven using oven mitts or kitchen towels. Baste the chicken with melted butter or oil to enhance the flavor and moistness. Return the plate or tray to the microwave oven to continue cooking.
5. Keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking. The chicken should be cooked through with a slightly charred and caramelized exterior.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the microwave oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy tandoori chicken.

Now that the tandoori chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to check for doneness.

Checking for Doneness

Before serving the tandoori chicken, it is important to ensure that it is cooked through and safe to eat. Follow these simple steps to check for doneness:

1. Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Check the color: The tandoori chicken should have a slightly charred and golden-brown exterior. The inside should be tender and juicy.
3. Check the juices: When pierced with a fork or knife, the chicken should release clear juices, indicating that it is fully cooked. If the juices are still pink or cloudy, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
4. Test for tenderness: Gently press a fork or the back of a spoon against the chicken. If it easily flakes apart and is tender, it is cooked through.

If the chicken passes these tests, it is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Now that the tandoori chicken is cooked and checked for doneness, it’s time to serve it up and savor the delicious flavors and aromas.

Serving and Enjoying the Tandoori Chicken

Now that the tandoori chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate it up and savor the flavors of this delicious dish. Here are some suggestions for serving and enjoying your tandoori chicken:

1. Transfer the cooked tandoori chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and color. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Serve the tandoori chicken with your choice of accompaniments. Traditional options include naan bread, basmati rice, and raita (a yogurt-based condiment). You can also serve it with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a healthier option.
4. Drizzle some mint chutney or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tandoori chicken for an added zing.
5. Gather your friends and family around the table and enjoy the tandoori chicken together. The aromatic flavors and succulent texture will surely delight your taste buds.

Remember, tandoori chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or in salads for a delicious twist.

Now that you know how to cook tandoori chicken in an LG microwave oven, it’s time to unleash your culinary skills and impress everyone with this delightful Indian dish. So, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the rich flavors of tandoori chicken.

Enjoy your meal!

Conclusion

Cooking tandoori chicken in an LG microwave oven is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this classic Indian dish in the comfort of your own home. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a flavorful and tender tandoori chicken that rivals the ones served in restaurants.

Preparing the chicken, marinating it with a blend of spices and yogurt, preheating the microwave oven, and cooking the chicken to perfection are the key steps to achieve the authentic flavors of tandoori chicken. By checking for doneness and serving it with the right accompaniments, you can elevate your culinary experience and delight your taste buds.

Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in experimenting and adding your own twist to the dish. Feel free to customize the marinade with your preferred spices and adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your microwave oven. The more you practice, the better you will become at mastering the art of cooking tandoori chicken.

So, don’t hesitate to give it a try and treat yourself, your family, and your friends to a delicious home-cooked tandoori chicken feast. With the aroma of spices filling your kitchen and the flavors tingling your taste buds, you are sure to create a memorable dining experience.

Now, armed with the knowledge and steps provided in this article, it’s time to embark on your culinary adventure and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of homemade tandoori chicken. Happy cooking!