Tandoori Chicken Dip Recipe
Introduction
Tandoori Chicken Dip is a flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional chicken dip, blending smoky spices with creamy yogurt. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, it offers a vibrant taste of Indian-inspired cuisine in a simple, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tandoori masala powder
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, adjust as per taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the tandoori masala powder and cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, liquid smoke, and salt. Begin with ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke and taste, adding more if a stronger smoky flavor is desired without overpowering the dish.
- Step 3: Add the shredded cooked chicken and sautéed onion mixture to the yogurt blend. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4: Mix in the chopped fresh cilantro. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if needed. Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop fully.
- Step 5: Serve chilled with crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra tandoori masala powder.
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or cream cheese if you prefer a richer texture.
- Use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke if liquid smoke is not available.
- Add finely chopped green chilies for an added layer of heat and flavor.
Storage
Store the Tandoori Chicken Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, stir well and let it come to room temperature or serve chilled. Avoid freezing, as the yogurt base may separate after thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken for this dip?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked chicken. Just make sure it is fully cooked, then shred it before mixing it into the dip.
Is the liquid smoke necessary?
Liquid smoke adds a distinctive smoky flavor that mimics traditional tandoori cooking, but it is optional. You can omit it or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder smoky taste.
PrintTandoori Chicken Dip Recipe
This Tandoori Chicken Dip is a flavorful, smoky, and creamy appetizer that combines shredded cooked chicken with classic Indian tandoori spices, Greek yogurt, and a hint of liquid smoke. Perfect for serving with crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetables, it offers a delicious twist on traditional dips with an exciting blend of spices and refreshing cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tandoori masala powder
Dip Base
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust as per taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tandoori masala powder and cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Prepare Yogurt Base: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, and ½ teaspoon salt. Begin with ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke and adjust to taste to ensure the smoky flavor complements rather than overwhelms the spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cooked chicken and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the yogurt base. Gently stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful yogurt mixture.
- Add Fresh Cilantro and Chill: Fold in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro to add brightness and freshness. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy this vibrant Tandoori Chicken Dip chilled with crackers, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of liquid smoke carefully; too much can overpower the dip.
- This dip can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor melding.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped green chili while sautéing.
- To keep it lower in fat, use low-fat Greek yogurt.
Keywords: Tandoori chicken, chicken dip, Indian appetizer, smoky dip, Greek yogurt dip, easy party food, spiced chicken dip
