Description
Tandoori chicken brings smoky, spiced flavors straight from North Indian kitchens to your dinner table. Marinated in yogurt and warming spices, this classic dish delivers authentic taste that makes weeknight meals feel like a special celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
Marinade Base:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- Salt
- Pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons tandoori masala, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and uniform.
- Drop 1 pound boneless chicken thighs into the marinade. Massage the sauce thoroughly into every surface of the chicken to ensure complete coverage.
- Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes. For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat your grill to high temperature (around 450°F) or preheat your oven to 425°F. Ensure your cooking surface is thoroughly warmed before placing the chicken.
- Transfer the marinated chicken directly onto the hot grill grates or a lined baking sheet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, rotating once.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. The chicken should have deep golden-brown char marks and appear completely opaque.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top for a bright, fresh garnish.
- Slice the chicken and serve immediately alongside warm naan bread or fluffy steamed rice.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate the meat completely.
- Use full-fat yogurt for a more tender and juicy result, as the fat helps keep the chicken moist during high-heat cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular tandoori masala for a certified gluten-free spice blend and serve with cauliflower rice.
- If grilling isn’t possible, roast the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in the oven to help achieve that classic tandoori char and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg