Dinner

Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Name: Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491833H54M55S
Total time: PT-491833H54M55S
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 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

ByMaya Quinn February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

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Introduction

Tandoori chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish known for its smoky, spicy marinade and tender, juicy meat. This recipe uses boneless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then broiled to perfection for an easy homemade treat that’s packed with Indian-inspired flavors.

The image shows three pieces of grilled chicken placed closely together on a white plate. Each chicken piece has a rough, uneven surface with a bright orange color, with charred dark brown and black spots scattered around, suggesting a spicy marinade and grilling. Underneath the chicken, there is a layer of green leafy vegetables, partially visible on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white paper liner, and the setting has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Step 1: Rub the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and lime juice. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your broiler or oven to high heat (around 450°F). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch drips.
Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 5: Broil the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is dry with some charred edges. Flip each piece and broil for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a small piece of charcoal to a bowl, heat until glowing, then place it in the marinade bowl covered tightly to infuse the chicken before cooking.
You can substitute boneless chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs remain juicier and more forgiving under high heat.
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika combined with a pinch of chipotle powder works well.

Storage

Store leftover tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. This dish also freezes well; thaw completely before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of four grilled chicken legs arranged in a circular pattern on a white plate, each piece golden brown with charred grill marks and juicy texture. The chicken skin has a slightly crispy, caramelized surface with darker burnt spots. There are three lemon wedges placed together on the top left side of the plate, showing their pale yellow inner flesh and smooth rind. Juices from the chicken pool lightly on the plate, adding a shiny, oily glaze to the dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken pieces can be used but may require longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

What if I don’t have a broiler?

You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 450°F on the top rack for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to develop a slight char on both sides.