Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
Tandoori chicken wings bridge American wing culture with Indian tandoori tradition. The yogurt-based marinade tenderizes while adding warm spices. Baking on a wire rack at high heat mimics tandoor intensity. The raita serves the same purpose as ranch - a creamy counterpoint to cut through richness.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- baking sheet — Provides surface for baking tandoori wings until crispy and cooked through
- wire rack — Provides elevation for raising wings above baking sheet for air circulation
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Wings should reach 165°F internal temperature.
- Wire rack allows air circulation for crispier skin.
- Pat wings dry before baking for best crispness.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
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Marinate at least 30 minutes.
Yogurt tenderizes and spices need time to penetrate
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Pat wings dry.
Surface moisture prevents crisping and creates soggy skin instead of crispy texture
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Use a wire rack.
Air circulation prevents soggy bottoms
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Broil at the end.
Brief broiling adds char and creates restaurant-quality appearance and flavor
Prep Get set first
About 8 min of prep
- Mix marinade
- Coat wings and marinate at least 30 minutes
- Make raita
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Set up wire rack on baking sheet
These are weeknight-doable wings. Even 30 minutes of marinating makes a difference.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Marinate the wings
Combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and oil. Add wings and coat thoroughly. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
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Make the raita
Combine raita yogurt with cucumber and a pinch each of salt and cumin. Refrigerate until serving.
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Bake the wings
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with foil, set wire rack on top. Remove wings from marinade, shaking off excess. Arrange on rack. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until crispy. Broil 2 to 3 minutes until charred in spots.
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Add the fresh herbs
Transfer to platter. Garnish with cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve hot with raita.
Chef's notes
Store-bought garam masala works fine here.
Raita is essential for cooling contrast.
These rival buffalo wings for game day satisfaction.