Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and saute for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the tandoori masala powder. Cook for one more minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, liquid smoke, and salt. Start with ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke and taste. Add more for a stronger, smoky flavor, but be careful not to overpower the other spices.
Add the shredded chicken and sauteed onion mixture to the yogurt mixture. Stir gently to combine.
Add chopped fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for extra flavor development. Serve with crackers, pita bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Notes
Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast for this recipe. If you're using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin before shredding. This prevents the dip from becoming greasy.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the yogurt mixture for a spicier dip.
Since liquid smoke is concentrated, start with a small amount and taste before adding more. The smokiness can intensify as the dip chills, so factor that in when adjusting the amount of liquid smoke.
My recipe calls for shredded chicken, but you can adjust the texture based on your preference. Pulse the chicken in a food processor for a smoother texture, or keep it chunky for a heartier bite.