Description
This Tandoori Chicken recipe features juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, spices, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. The chicken is broiled to perfection, boasting a vibrant color and smoky char typical of traditional tandoori cooking, all achievable in your home oven within about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Marinade
- 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
- Prepare the chicken: Rub the salt, pepper, and lime juice evenly over the chicken thighs to season the meat, then set aside.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and ground cayenne. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs into the marinade one piece at a time, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably up to 24 hours to maximize flavor infusion.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven’s broiler on high. If your oven doesn’t have a broil function, preheat it to 450°F (232°C) to replicate the intense heat needed for charring.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken: Broil the chicken for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until the tops appear dry with some charred spots. Flip the pieces and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Using boneless skinless thighs ensures quick cooking and juicy results.
- For an authentic smoky flavor, a charcoal grill or tandoor oven can be used instead of the broiler.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be substituted, but the smoky profile will be milder.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Tandoori chicken, Indian chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, Indian spices, broiled chicken, easy Indian dinner
