Search Dictionary
Definition of tandoori chicken

tandoori chicken

Plural:tandoori chicken
JUMP TO:

tandoori chicken Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A popular South Asian dish consisting of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices (such as garam masala, garlic, ginger, cumin, and cayenne pepper), traditionally roasted at high temperatures in a cylindrical clay oven known as a tandoor.

Example

"For dinner, we ordered a large plate of tandoori chicken served with freshly baked naan and mint chutney."

• Nearby Words

tanana
tancitaro rattlesnake
tandoori
tandoori chicken
tang
tangelo
tangerine

Word Origin & Etymology

From Hindi and Urdu 'tandūrī' (meaning 'pertaining to the tandoor'), derived from Persian 'tanūr' (clay oven), combined with the English word 'chicken'. The dish originated in the Indian subcontinent and was popularized in the mid-20th century.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tandoori chicken. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tandoori chicken
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.