Tandoori chicken originated in the Indian subcontinent, where meat is cooked in a clay tandoor oven. In the UK, the technique was adapted for home ovens, becoming a staple of British‑Indian takeaways and home cooking, celebrated for its smoky, spiced flavor.

Traditional tandoori mixes often include ground fenugreek, cumin, coriander, and dried yogurt powder. Sorted Food’s version streamlines it to garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder for ease while still delivering the characteristic heat and aroma.

Authentic tandoori uses plain yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Substitutes like Greek yogurt or dairy‑free yogurt work, and you can replace garam masala with a ready‑made tandoori masala blend.

Tandoori chicken is popular at festivals such as Diwali and Eid, as well as at British summer barbecues and family gatherings, where its vibrant color and bold flavor make it a crowd‑pleaser.

Serve the drumsticks alongside naan or roti, cucumber‑mint raita, spiced lentil dal, and a fresh salad of tomatoes and onions for a balanced meal.

The combination of high‑heat cooking, yogurt‑based marination, and aromatic spices creates a tender, juicy interior with a caramelised, smoky exterior that is distinct from other Indian chicken preparations.

Common errors include over‑marinating (which can make the texture mushy), not drying the skin before roasting, and cooking at too high a temperature initially, which dries the meat before the flavors develop.

The low‑temp stage gently cooks the meat, preserving juiciness, while the final high‑heat blast crisps the skin without overcooking the interior—a technique the Sorted Food team uses for consistent results.

Yes, marinate the drumsticks up to 24 hours ahead. After cooking, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months and reheat gently before serving.

The YouTube channel Sorted Food specializes in fun, collaborative cooking challenges, recipe experiments, and food science explanations, often featuring a group of friends testing recipes and food concepts for home cooks.

Sorted Food blends humor and blind‑taste tests with clear, step‑by‑step instructions, focusing on comparing supermarket versus butcher quality ingredients, whereas many channels simply present a single recipe without that comparative angle.