Tandoori Chicken

Smoky, juicy and full of bold flavor, Tandoori Chicken is one of the most iconic dishes in Indian cuisine, and a Curry Gate favorite. It's made with dark-meat chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, and roasted in a blazing-hot clay tandoor oven.

Tandoori Chicken comes from the Punjab region of North India, where cooking in a tandoor has been a tradition for centuries. It became famous in Delhi in the mid-1900s and has since become one of the best-known Indian dishes in the world. The tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven that reaches very high temperatures, roasting food quickly while sealing in moisture and adding a signature smoky char.

Our Tandoori Chicken starts with dark-meat chicken, prized for being juicier and more flavorful than white meat. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon juice and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala and red chilli. That marinade gives it its classic deep red-orange color. The yogurt tenderizes the meat and helps the spices soak in deeply. The chicken is then roasted in the tandoor until the outside is golden and lightly charred and the inside is moist and tender.

The result is chicken that is smoky, juicy and richly spiced, with crispy, charred edges and plenty of flavor all the way through. Because it's roasted rather than fried, it's also a lighter, high-protein option.

You control the heat. Choose your spice level from 1 to 10 when you order. Keep it mild at 1–3 for a family-friendly, flavorful roast, go medium at 4–6 for classic tandoori warmth, or turn it up to 7–10 if you love real heat.

Tandoori Chicken is best with a squeeze of fresh lemon, sliced onions and a side of Mint Chutney for dipping. Enjoy it as a starter to share, or make it a meal with Butter Naan, Garlic Naan and steamed basmati rice. A cool side of raita is a good match too.

Whether you're craving tandoori for lunch in Uptown, sharing a platter at dinner in South End, or picking up takeout near NoDa, Curry Gate brings authentic Indian and Nepali flavors to Charlotte, NC. Order Tandoori Chicken for dine-in, pickup or delivery.

FAQ

What is Tandoori Chicken? Tandoori Chicken is a North Indian dish of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a hot clay tandoor oven for a smoky, charred flavor.

Is Curry Gate's Tandoori Chicken dark meat? Yes. Curry Gate's Tandoori Chicken is made with dark-meat chicken, which stays extra juicy and flavorful.

What is the difference between Tandoori Chicken and Chicken Tikka? Tandoori Chicken is made with dark meat. Chicken Tikka is made with boneless white-meat pieces. Both are marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked in the tandoor.

Why is Tandoori Chicken red? Its red-orange color comes from the spice marinade, especially red chilli, which gives it its signature look.

Is Tandoori Chicken spicy? You choose your spice level from 1 (mild) to 10 (very hot).

What goes well with Tandoori Chicken? Lemon, sliced onions and mint chutney are classic pairings, along with naan, basmati rice and raita.