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Tandoori Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This Tandoori Chicken recipe offers a deliciously spiced and smoky-flavored Indian-inspired dish made with boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is broiled to achieve a charred, tender, and juicy texture, perfect for a flavorful meal that showcases traditional tandoori flavors without requiring a tandoor oven.

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 the salt, black pepper, and lime juice to season and tenderize the meat. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with minced garlic, fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
  2. Prepare for Cooking: When ready to cook, preheat your oven’s broiler or set the oven to high heat at 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch drips and for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart so they don’t overlap. This ensures even cooking and proper charring.
  3. Cook Chicken: Place the baking sheet on the top rack closest to the broiler element. Broil the chicken for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the top starts to dry and char slightly, creating the signature smoky crust of tandoori chicken. Flip the chicken pieces over carefully with tongs and continue broiling for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 6 hours is important for flavor infusion and tenderness; up to 24 hours is ideal.
  • If you do not have a broiler, you can bake the chicken at 450°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with naan, rice, or fresh salad to complete the meal.
  • Using skinless thighs keeps the chicken moist while broiling enhances the smoky, charred flavor that mimics traditional tandoor cooking.

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

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/tandoori-chicken-recipe/