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Tandoori Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 191 reviews

This vibrant Tandoori Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and warming spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. The chicken is broiled to perfection, creating a slightly charred, smoky crust while remaining juicy inside. Perfect for a spicy, protein-packed main dish that brings the taste of Indian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 3/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 (7-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and lime juice. In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic, fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to this marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  2. Prepare for Cooking: When ready to cook, preheat your broiler or oven to high heat, approximately 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch drippings and make cleanup easier. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared sheet ensuring they do not overlap to allow for even cooking and proper charring.
  3. Cook Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the top appears dry with attractive charred edges. Flip the chicken pieces carefully and continue broiling for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juicy inside.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill instead of broiling.
  • Marinating for the full 24 hours will result in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
  • Serve with naan, rice, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked without drying out.

Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Indian Chicken Recipe, Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Broiled Chicken Thighs