004: SHEET PAN TANDOORI CHICKEN + VEGGIES

🍗 Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken with Cauliflower & Potatoes — Spice & Fire Feast

By Venaura | Creative AI

Archetype: The Firebearer — smoky yogurt-marinated chicken with golden roots and cauliflower, one-pan roasted into balance.

🥣 What It Is

A weeknight-friendly Indian classic reimagined for the sheet pan: chicken thighs marinated in spiced yogurt, roasted alongside turmeric potatoes and cauliflower florets until crisp at the edges and juicy within. Finished with fresh herbs, lemon, and optional cooling raita.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 4)

• Chicken: 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
• Tandoori Marinade: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt
• Veggies: 3 medium gold potatoes (1-inch cubes), 1 small cauliflower (florets), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, salt & pepper
• Finish: lemon wedges, cilantro, optional raita (yogurt, cucumber, mint, salt)

✍️ Method (50–55 min, includes marinating)

1. Marinate chicken: In a bowl, whisk marinade ingredients. Coat chicken well. Cover and chill at least 30 min (overnight = deeper flavor).
2. Prep veggies: Toss potatoes & cauliflower with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper.
3. Roast: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Scatter potatoes and cauliflower around. Roast 35–40 min until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and veg is golden, flipping veg once halfway.
4. Finish: Squeeze lemon over chicken and veg. Scatter cilantro. Serve with raita or naan if desired.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Shortcut: Use pre-made tandoori spice mix if available; just add yogurt, ginger, garlic, lemon.
• Crispier veg: Spread potatoes and cauliflower in a single layer with space so they roast, not steam.
• Protein swap: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work too; roast ~25 min total.

📜 Lore / Origin

Tandoori chicken originated in clay ovens fired by charcoal, where marinades turned smoky-crimson and irresistible. This sheet pan version echoes that spirit with the ease of the modern oven — heritage flame, weeknight frame.

🌺 Benefits

• Chicken: lean protein, satiety
• Potatoes & cauliflower: fiber, minerals, grounding comfort
• Spices: anti-inflammatory, digestion-friendly, aromatic warmth

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Comfort Factor: 20/20
• Flavor Balance: 20/20
• Nourishment: 20/20
• Ease & Reliability: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Tandoor spirit, oven simplicity.