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Tandoori Chicken Recipe

4.2 from 52 reviews

This flavorful Tandoori Chicken recipe features tender, marinated boneless chicken thighs cooked under a broiler to achieve a smoky, charred exterior and juicy interior. Bursting with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne, combined with creamy Greek yogurt and zesty lime, this dish offers a classic Indian-inspired taste that is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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 with salt, black pepper, and lime juice thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and ground cayenne. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade and coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours to allow the flavors to deeply infuse into the meat.
  2. Prepare for Cooking: When ready to cook, preheat the broiler or oven to the high setting (approximately 450°F). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not overlap for even cooking and charring.
  3. Cook Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top surface appears dry with some charred edges indicating a smoky flavor. Carefully flip each piece using tongs and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy on the inside.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • Use skinless boneless thighs for juicier texture over chicken breasts.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level.
  • If a broiler is unavailable, bake at 450°F on the top oven rack for similar results.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Indian Chicken Recipe, Broiled Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Marinated Chicken, Greek Yogurt Marinade, Easy Indian Dinner