How to Make Chicken Tandoori (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Chicken Tandoori is a Singaporean favourite, often seen sizzling at bustling kopitiams and hawker centres throughout the city. This dish, with its origins rooted in North Indian cuisine, has found a vibrant home in Singapore, evolving with local tastes and ingredients. Succulent chicken is marinated in a tangy yogurt and spice blend, then grilled to smoky perfection—perfect for lunch under the tropical sun. In Singapore, Chicken Tandoori is celebrated for its robust flavours, tender texture, and striking red hue, thanks to the use of spices like chilli powder and turmeric. The dish is not only a testament to the island’s rich multicultural foodscape but also a symbol of fusion, where Indian, Malay, and Chinese influences converge. Served with fresh salad or wrapped in a whole wheat chapati, it’s a nutritious, protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite at your neighbourhood kopitiam or preparing a family meal at home, Chicken Tandoori is a healthy, flavourful option that brings the community together around shared tables.
Ingredients
- 300g Boneless, skinless chicken breast (preferably local kampung chicken)
- 1/2 cup Low-fat plain yogurt (curd)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (limau nipis)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Chilli powder (cili serbuk)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground turmeric (kunyit)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin (jintan putih)
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander (ketumbar)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (secukup rasa)
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Sliced cucumber and tomato (for salad)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh coriander leaves (daun ketumbar, for garnish)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · In a large bowl
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt to create the marinade.
Step 2 · Add chicken breast pieces to the marinade
Add chicken breast pieces to the marinade, coat well, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavour).
Step 3 · Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F)
Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F), or set your grill to medium-high.
Step 4 · Arrange marinated chicken on a baking rack or grill pan
Arrange marinated chicken on a baking rack or grill pan. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 5 · Grill or bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes
Grill or bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
Step 6 · Serve hot with cucumber
Serve hot with cucumber, tomato salad, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Chicken Tandoori recipe is a healthy choice because it uses lean protein, low-fat yogurt, and heart-healthy olive oil. Grilling or baking reduces the need for excess oil, making it lighter than fried alternatives. The use of spices boosts metabolism and adds depth without adding calories. Served with a fresh salad, it’s a wholesome meal that fits well into weight loss, diabetic-friendly, or muscle-building diets, supporting overall health and wellness.
A note on tradition
Chicken Tandoori is a beloved dish within Singapore’s vibrant hawker culture, frequently enjoyed at Indian-Muslim stalls and kopitiams across the island. Its popularity has led to creative local twists, such as serving it with fragrant nasi or as part of tandoori wraps. Often enjoyed during lunch or festive gatherings, this dish reflects Singapore's multicultural heritage and its openness to fusion flavours, making it a staple for both everyday meals and special occasions.