But, before you get excited and order that fried chicken, hold on a second. Fried food may be a guilty pleasure for many, but it's not exactly the healthiest choice. The frying process involves a lot of oil, which can quickly add up to your calorie intake. Moreover, the coating used to fry chicken is often a mixture of spices, breadcrumbs, and corn flour, making it even more unhealthy. Instead, opt for grilled or tandoori chicken, which are healthier alternatives that still pack a flavourful punch.
For the unfamiliar, tandoori chicken is an Indian dish made with marinated chicken covered in yoghurt and spices and cooked in a clay tandoor (oven). It is the method of cooking the chicken in a tandoor that gives it its smokey flavour.
Tandoori chicken is not only a delectable dish, but it is also a healthy option to include in your diet. There are two primary reasons that make it a healthier choice: the cooking technique and the lean meat of the dish. It is recommended to consume lean meats such as chicken, as they are packed with protein and healthy fats that provide energy to the body throughout the day.
Moreover, tandoori chicken is a low-carb dish, and chicken legs are known to contain about 20 grams of protein, making them an excellent choice for weight-watchers. To prepare this dish, chicken breast is marinated with spices like salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder, along with yoghurt and lime juice. The chicken breast is then cooked in a tandoor, lending it a simple yet delightful taste that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.
The cooking technique of roasting tandoori chicken in a tandoor not only adds a unique smokey flavour to the dish but also makes it a healthy option. As the meat is cooked in its own fat, there's no need to add any extra oil, making it a low-fat meal. Moreover, unlike its fried counterpart, tandoori chicken doesn't contain any heavy cream or gravies, making it a healthier way to savour the taste of chicken.
With fewer calories, more protein, and healthier fats, tandoori chicken is an ideal dish for weight watchers. So, if you are looking for a healthy and delicious option to add to your meal plan, the tandoori chicken should definitely be on your list.
Savouring the succulent taste of chicken not only appeases your cravings but also promotes satiety and facilitates efficient fat-burning while curbing mood swings. To reap these benefits, it's best to prepare tandoori chicken at home using low-sodium salt and wholesome spices instead of resorting to unhealthy, high-fat restaurant-style variants.