Baked Lemon-Ginger Chicken with Yogurt Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs baked in a zesty yogurt marinade with fresh ginger and lemon, perfect for weeknight dinners. This Indian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, to the marinade and toss to coat. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, garnish with lemon slices and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Ginger Chicken with Yogurt Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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 Baked Lemon-Ginger Chicken with Yogurt Marinade?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Ginger Chicken with Yogurt Marinade?

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 Baked Lemon-Ginger Chicken with Yogurt Marinade 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 Baked Lemon-Ginger Chicken with Yogurt Marinade?

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.

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