Authentic Tandoori-Style Spiced Chicken
Traditional Indian chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to smoky perfection with a true tandoor flavor without a tandoor oven. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 57 minutes pairs (boneless, skinless) chicken breasts, plain yogurt, minced ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb (boneless, skinless) chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness with a meat mallet; in a bowl, whisk together yogurt, minced ginger, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, lemon juice, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Step 2: Add chicken to the marinade, coating evenly; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (375°F); brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess; grill for 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are charred and crispy.
- Step 5: Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing; serve with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Tandoori-Style Spiced Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 57 minutes (45 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Tandoori-Style Spiced Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Tandoori-Style Spiced Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Tandoori-Style Spiced Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Tandoori-Style Spiced Chicken?
Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
