Few dishes capture the essence of Indian cooking quite like Tandoori Chicken. A vibrant red hue, a smoky aroma, and a flavor that dances between spice and tenderness — this iconic dish is not just a feast for the palate but also a symbol of India’s culinary legacy.

At Jewel of India, a trusted Indian Food Restaurant in Seattle, WA, we take great pride in our rendition of this timeless classic. Crafted with tradition, patience, and premium ingredients, our Tandoori Chicken is an irresistible favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What is Tandoori Chicken?

Tandoori Chicken is a traditional North Indian dish where chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted at high temperatures in a clay oven called a tandoor. The result is chicken that’s crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and infused with a smoky depth of flavor that no regular oven can replicate.

The dish dates back centuries and was made globally famous in the mid-20th century by restaurants in Delhi. Today, it’s a staple in Indian eateries worldwide — and one of our most requested dishes at Jewel of India in Seattle.

The Secret Behind the Perfect Tandoori Chicken

We believe a great Tandoori Chicken begins long before it hits the oven. Here’s a look at our carefully crafted process:

1. Choosing the Right Chicken

We use bone-in chicken (usually leg quarters or drumsticks) for optimal flavor and juiciness. Bone-in pieces stay moist during high-heat cooking and absorb the marinade beautifully.

2. Scoring for Flavor Penetration

We lightly score the chicken with shallow cuts. This helps the marinade seep deep into the meat, ensuring flavor in every bite.

3. Two-Stage Marination

First Marinade:

  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Kashmiri red chili powder (for vibrant color and mild heat)

This stage begins the tenderizing process.

Second Marinade:

  • Thick yogurt (acts as the base)
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric
  • Crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • Mustard oil or ghee for richness

The chicken is coated thoroughly and marinated for a minimum of 6 hours (ideally overnight), allowing the spices to penetrate fully.

4. Cooking in the Tandoor

Once perfectly marinated, the chicken is skewered and placed inside our clay tandoor, which reaches temperatures of 900°F (480°C). The intense heat seals the outside quickly, forming a charred crust while locking in moisture.

The natural wood smoke inside the tandoor gives the chicken a unique, mouthwatering aroma and flavor that simply can't be replicated with conventional ovens.

A Feast for the Senses

Once out of the tandoor, the chicken is brushed with butter or ghee and served on a sizzling platter, accompanied by:

  • Onion rings
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh mint-coriander chutney

The red-orange color, smoky fragrance, and sizzling sound create an experience long before the first bite.

Healthier Than You Think

Despite its rich appearance, Tandoori Chicken is surprisingly healthy:

  • It’s grilled, not fried.
  • The yogurt-based marinade is high in protein and probiotics.
  • The spices (like turmeric and ginger) are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
  • It's low-carb and keto-friendly.

That’s why many fitness-conscious customers love ordering Tandoori Chicken at our Seattle Indian restaurant — it delivers bold flavor without the guilt.

Perfect Pairings from Jewel of India

Our Tandoori Chicken pairs beautifully with:

  • Butter naan or garlic naan
  • Jeera rice (cumin rice)
  • Raita (yogurt with cucumber and spices)
  • Masala chai or a cold mango lassi

For a hearty meal, enjoy it alongside dal makhani or a light salad for a protein-rich combo.

A Customer Favorite in Seattle

At Jewel of India, Tandoori Chicken is one of the most talked-about items on our menu. Seattle’s diverse food scene has embraced this fiery Indian dish with open arms. We’ve served it at family dinners, romantic dates, lunch buffets, and festive catering events — and the feedback is always the same: “Delicious, tender, and perfectly spiced!”

Why Choose Jewel of India?

Located in the heart of Seattle’s University District, Jewel of India has become a go-to destination for authentic North Indian cuisine. What makes us special?

  • Authentic recipes with centuries of heritage
  • Clay tandoor cooking for genuine flavor
  • Fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally and imported from India
  • Friendly service in a warm, welcoming ambiance

Whether you’re craving a spicy appetizer or a full-course Indian meal, our Tandoori Chicken will leave you craving more.

Come Taste the Tradition

📍 Jewel of India – Indian Food Restaurant in Seattle, WA

4735 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

📞 Call Us: 206-523-5275

📧 Email: jewelofindia101@gmail.com

Dine-in, takeout, and delivery are available. We also offer catering for events, parties, and corporate functions — and yes, Tandoori Chicken is always on the menu!

Final Thoughts

Tandoori Chicken is more than just a dish — it's a celebration of spice, smoke, and history. Every bite tells a story of India’s vibrant culinary heritage. At Jewel of India, we honor that tradition with every skewer that leaves our tandoor.

So the next time you're looking for unforgettable Indian food in Seattle, WA — come try our Tandoori Chicken. You won’t be disappointed.