Tangdi Kabab Recipe

Simple Tangdi kabab, it is new to me. I was not familiar with that until a viewer requested it. Then I searched online and got an idea about the recipe.

I love roasting chicken in oven, since it is less fatty when compared to fried ones and it turn out so juicy. This recipe is so easy to make but so tasty to eat.

This grilled chicken has a coating of toasted gram flour which makes it more tasty and flavourful. I made this last Sunday and gave few pieces of this along with a box of butter chicken to my sister's college and they all loved it so much.

About Tangdi Kabab (Tangri Kebab)

Kebabs are a delicious meat based dish that are usually marinated with freshly ground spices, skewered and cooked over charcoal fire.

They are basted with ghee or butter while cooking which gives the signature juicy texture and smoky taste.

Though Kabas originated in the Middle East, later they became popular in India through Mughlai cuisine and are now loved across the country.

The word "Tangdi" means legs in Hindi, which refers to the chicken drumsticks used in the recipe.

This tangdi kebab is so easy to prepare at home using simple pantry ingredients like green chilli, lemon juice, chaat masala, hung curd, ginger garlic paste and besan flour.

Similar Recipes

In this recipe, the chicken is first marinated with yogurt, spices to remove the raw smell and keeps the meat tender and juicy. It is then coated with roasted gram flour and cooked in the oven until perfectly done with a light smoky flavour.

If you love smoky, spicy and flavourful chicken dishes, you should also try other delicious recipes like tandoori chicken, grilled chicken, chicken seekh kebab, chicken tikka and many irresistible recipes from my blog.

Serve it hot with green chutney, mayonnaise or pair it with naan, biryani for a delicious meal. It is also a perfect recipe to try for special occasions like Ramadan or family parties.

Chicken: As the term "Tangdi" refers to leg, the chicken drumsticks are the main ingredient in the recipe. Drumstick pieces absorb the marination well and remain juicy when grilled.

Ginger garlic paste: Ginger garlic paste helps to remove the raw smell of chicken while adding a strong aroma and deep flavour.

Thick curd / Yogurt: Hung curd or full fat yogurt is used for marinating the chicken. It helps tenderize the chicken and keep it soft while cooking.

Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh tangy taste and helps tenderize the chicken. It also balances the spices and gives the kebab its signature tangy taste.

Spices: Spices like turmeric powder and garam masala powder adds color and rich aroma. These spices enhance the overall flavour and blend perfectly with chicken.

Green chilli: Green chilli adds a fresh spicy taste to the kebab.

Seasoning: Salt balances the overall taste of the kebab, while chaat masala adds a tangy, street style flavour that makes the kebab more delicious.

Gram flour: Gram flour helps the marination coat evenly with chicken. It adds a roasted nutty flavour and helps create a slightly crispy outer layer when cooked.

Butter: Melted unsalted butter is brushed over the kebab while cooking. This helps the chicken stay moist, adding rich butter flavour. And gives the kebab a glossy, restaurant style finish.

1)Start by toasting gram flour in a dry pan till it turns nutty and couple shades darker.

2)Your house will be filled with the aroma. Switch the heat off and set aside till use.

3)First take your cleaned chicken and make deep slashes in them.

4)Add in freshly ground ginger garlic paste.

5)Add in vinegar or lemon juice.

6)Add in turmeric powder, chilli powder and cumin powder.

7)Add in salt.

8)Add slightly crushed green chillies.

9)Add in chaat masala powder.

10)Mix well. Cover and let it marinate it for 2 hours.

11)Now when the marinating time is done. Take the chicken out and add in toasted gram flour and mix well.

12)Mix well till marination is combined.

13) Preheat the oven to 250 Degree C. Line a baking tray with foil. Brush the foil with oil. Arrange the chicken in the tray and put them in oven for 15 mins.

14)Take them out and baste them with butter.

15) Reduce the oven temp to 160 degree C. Put them back into the oven for 15 mins.

16)Now flip over and bake it for 15 mins.

17)Take it out and baste with some butter, bake again for 15 mins.

18)Now flip over and bake it for 15 mins. Take it out and baste with some butter, bake again for 15 mins.

19)Now remove the tray from oven, brush with melted butter and sprinkle generous amount of chat masala over the hot chicken and serve immediately.

20)Serve.

Expert Tips

Marinate long for better flavour: For juicy and tender kebabs, marinate the chicken overnight or at least for 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer marination helps the spices absorb well into chicken and enhances the flavour.

Make slit on chicken: Make small slits on the drumstick before marinating. This helps the masalas penetrate deeper into the chicken and result in a flavourful kebab.

Roasting: Roast the besan flour on low heat until it releases a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Roasting the flour enhances the flavour of marination.

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven at least 10 to 15 minutes before cooking the chicken.

Baste while cooking: Brush melted butter or ghee over the kebabs halfway through cooking. This keeps the chicken juicy and gives the glossy, restaurant style look.

Storage: Let the tangdi kebabs cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in an oven, air fryer or pan until warm before serving.

Freezing Marinated Chicken: You can also freeze or refrigerate the marinated chicken drumsticks. They stay fresh for 2 weeks to 1 month in the freezer. When ready to cook, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and then cook.

Serving: Serve these spicy and tangdi kebabs with mint chutney, onion salad, lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chaat masala. You can also serve them with mayonnaise if preferred. For a filling meal, pair these kebabs with naan, biryani or pulao.

Q. What does "Tangdi" mean?

"Tangdi" means leg in Hindi. So, therefore tangdi kebab is made using chicken drumsticks. The chicken is marinated with spices and then grilled or roasted until juicy and flavourful.

Q. What is the difference between tangdi kebab and tandoori chicken?

Tangdi kebab is specifically made using chicken drumsticks. The tandoori chicken can be prepared using different chicken cuts like whole chicken, chicken thighs,or breast pieces.

Q. Why is gram flour used in the marinated chicken?

Gram flour helps the marination stick well to the chicken. The roasted flour also adds a nutty flavour and helps create a slightly thick coating on the chicken when cooked.

Q. Can I make tangi kebab without an oven?

Yes, you can cook the tangdi kebabs using a grill pan or air fryer. The kebab will still turn out juicy and delicious.