A must-try Indian twist to your next grill out – Grilled Tandoori-Style Chicken Drumsticks. Yogurt and spice marinated chicken, charred on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Happy August everyone!
Aww… this is the big month. The month when I get to meet the little peanut that has been rolling around in my belly! Yay, yay yay!
As of lately, life has been so calm, so joyous, so downright enjoyable. It’s kind of odd honestly. Sort of like the calm before the storm (aka baby#2). I think it’s a combination of a lot of things… lovely warm weather, happy fun-filled days for Poppy, and joint excited/anticipation for the hubs and I.
My heart is feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.
Little moments, these past few weeks have felt so memorable and special that I am trying my best to sketch them in my mind, as to never forget this feeling.
One of my favorite things has been watching the hubs and Poppy play together. The last month or so, we instituted Dada-daughter dates 3 days a week where the hubs will take Poppy for a few hours. Watching them bond and spend so much time together is pretty much priceless.
They have their own games with code names and man, can he make that little girl giggle. When they get back from the park or wherever it is they were off too, my little girl is always sweaty, happy and so in love with her dada. Seriously melts my heart.
Their time together has also given me time to focus on myself and baby belly. Time to make dinners, get work done, take long baths, think about baby, and honestly just enjoy these quiet moments before become a family of four.
The other moments I’ve been savoring have been family dinners. We have gotten into the habit of doing at least 1 picnic-style dinner a week, 1-2 dinners grilled dinners outside, and at least 1 late night dinner.
Simply switching up where we eat makes every night pretty exciting! haha I sound so old but it really does!!! Sometimes we eat picnic style near the Mississippi river, other times we grill burgers on the deck while Poppy dances to music. Other times, I feed Poppy around 6 and the hubs and I have dinner just the 2 of us while we chat about our day and Poppy plays.
Every night is different and every night is special. These are the moments and feelings I want to always remember.
One of the grilled dinners that won us over this month were these Grilled Tandoori- Style Chicken Drumsticks. Exotic flavors on beautifully charred drumsticks there were insanely juicy and tender on the inside. This is in an Indian inspired dish that is actually doable on a busy weeknight too!
What makes this chicken so delicious is the yogurt marinade and Indian spices. I’d recommend checking out a local Indian market, Whole Foods, Amazon, or perhaps your local grocery for some Garam Masala. If you can find Chaat Masala while you are searching, buy some too! These 2 spices are heavenly together and make some pretty awesome curries too!
Both Masalas mixed with yogurt and a few simple pantry staples from the marinade. Now if you remember and have 10 minutes to spare before rushing to work, marinade the drumsticks in the morning. If you forget, do it right when you get home. Chicken will be delicious whether you marinade for 2 hours or 8 hours.
That’s the beauty of this meal.
After that, all you need is a hot grill and hungry mouths. Our favorite sides for this meal are simple garlic sauteed green beans, the best ever cornbread, homemade tzatziki sauce, and watermelon slices.
As we approach the end of summer, I hope you are able to take in the little special moments that make life so worthwhile 💕
Equipment
- [amazon text=Weber Grill&asin=B0098HR1FI]
- [amazon text=Grill BBQ Tools&asin=B01CS5UWCK]
- [amazon text=Garam Masala Spice&asin=B00AJRKQDU]
- [amazon text=Chaat Masala Spice&asin=B000MSS6CO]
Serves 3-5 depending on sides.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely minced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 5 drumsticks)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt with the ginger, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, garam masala, salt, cayenne and chaat masala if using.
- Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, make 3-4 1-inch slashes in the drumsticks. Toss chicken in the marinade either in a bowl or in a large Ziploc bag. Mix well to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2-8 hours. If making after work, 2 hours are fine. But if you make it in the morning, let it marinade for 8 hours and grill in the evening.
- Light half of the grill on high heat and the other half to medium. Wipe the grill grates with a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil, using tongs.
- Shake off extra marinade off the chicken. Place the chicken on the hot side of the grill, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes turning to char evenly on all sides.
- Move chicken to the medium side, cook and cover for roughly 16-30min (depending on the size of the chicken) until cooked through or at an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This chicken is delicious with homemade tzatziki sauce.
Notes
Garam masala and chaat masala are Indian spice blends that are available at some groceries and all Indian markets Garam masala is on the sweeter side while chaat masala is on the savory aromatic side.
Recipe inspired by FoodandWine.
Originally posted 2017-08-14 06:00:16.
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