Description
Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. The chicken is then broiled to achieve a perfectly charred exterior with juicy, spiced meat inside. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy result that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lime (juice only)
- 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 pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, salt, and black pepper with the chicken thighs. In a separate bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper thoroughly. Coat each chicken thigh evenly in this spiced yogurt marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse.
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your broiler or conventional oven to a high temperature of 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drippings and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding to promote even cooking and charring. Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes until the outside becomes well darkened and charred to your liking. Flip each piece over and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Broiling replicates the high heat of a traditional tandoor grill and creates the characteristic smoky char.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on preferred spice level.
- Serve with naan bread, rice, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
