Cascadian Farm Organic Goodness

It's grilling season, and we're breaking out the grill for the upcoming weekend.  However, this season I've been excited to try on a few less typical barbecue flavors.  With the recent addition in my life of naan and pitas, Indian foods and flavors, traditionally baked in extremely hot tandoor ovens are a natural first step. 

A slew of strong spices come together and are mixed with yogurt to produce a nice kick and keep this skinless grilled chicken dish moist and full of flavor.  We serve ours on a bed of grilled fresh green beans, straight from the garden and alongside steamed rice or homemade naan.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken

1 whole fryer chicken cut into pieces or 4-6 pieces bone-in chicken with the skin removed
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
1 dry red chili, crushed

1 tablespoon sweet paprika
3 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 teaspoons coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
3 tablespoons olive oil

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in a shallow bowl or dish and prick the flesh with a fork on both sides. In a separate bowl mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger and all of the dry spices into a thick marinade. Pour marinade over chicken and spread to coat both sides. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook over a medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Brush with olive oil before flipping. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, flipping one more time before pulling off the grill. Juices should run clear.

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with grilled or steamed vegetables and naan.

Makes 4 - 6 servings. 

Photo by Shaina Olmanson