Tangdi Kebab
Juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a creamy, spiced yogurt blend and grilled to perfection. This popular North Indian appetizer is smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor, perfect for any celebration.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse the chicken drumsticks and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep diagonal cuts (gashes) on each drumstick, cutting down to the bone. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply.
Apply First Marinade
- Place the drumsticks in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of Kashmiri red chili powder.
- Rub this mixture thoroughly over the chicken, ensuring it gets into the gashes.
- Set aside to rest for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
Prepare Second Marinade
- In a separate bowl, whisk the hung curd until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add the ginger garlic paste, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, roasted besan, crushed kasuri methi, vegetable oil, and all the remaining powdered spices: Kashmiri chili, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and the remaining 1 tsp of salt.
- Mix everything well to form a thick, lump-free marinade paste.
Marinate the Chicken
- Pour the second marinade over the chicken drumsticks.
- Use your hands to coat each drumstick evenly and generously, working the marinade into the cuts.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the most tender and flavorful results.
Bake the Kebabs
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tray, flip the drumsticks, and baste them generously with melted butter.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and has light char marks. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle chaat masala evenly over the hot kebabs.
- Serve immediately with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Using hung curd (or thick Greek yogurt) is crucial. Regular yogurt will make the marinade too thin and it won't stick to the chicken.
- 2Marinating overnight is highly recommended as it tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- 3The gashes on the drumsticks are non-negotiable. They are key to ensuring the chicken is flavorful all the way to the bone.
- 4Baking on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, cooking the chicken evenly and giving it a tandoor-like effect.
- 5For a classic smoky flavor (Dhungar method), place the cooked kebabs in a large pot. Put a small steel bowl in the center, add a piece of red-hot charcoal, pour 1/2 tsp of ghee over it, and immediately cover the pot for 2-3 minutes.
- 6Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is safely cooked when the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F).
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamier Version (Malai Tangdi)
Add 3 tbsp of fresh cream and 1/4 tsp of white pepper powder to the second marinade for a richer, milder, and creamier kebab.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Finely chop 1-2 green chilies and add them to the second marinade for an extra kick of heat.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping and basting with butter halfway through, until cooked and golden.
Grill MethodGrill Method
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the kebabs for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with butter, until cooked through with nice char marks.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Supports Gut Health
The use of hung curd (yogurt) introduces beneficial probiotics into your diet, which promote a healthy gut microbiome, aid digestion, and improve nutrient absorption.
Rich in Essential Minerals
Chicken provides important minerals like phosphorus and calcium for bone health, and selenium, which has antioxidant properties.
Immunity-Boosting Spices
The marinade is packed with spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two Tangdi Kebabs (approximately 220g) contains around 380-450 calories, depending on the size of the drumsticks and whether the skin is left on.