Grilled Citrus-Tamarind Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a tangy citrus and tamarind blend, served with a refreshing yogurt sauce brightened by fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends fresh orange juice, tamarind paste, honey into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) boneless skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs and turn to coat. Marinate covered in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and brush lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 3: Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and grill another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While chicken grills, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 5: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the herb yogurt sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Tamarind Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Tamarind Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Tamarind Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce?
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 Grilled Citrus-Tamarind Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce 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 Grilled Citrus-Tamarind Chicken Thighs with Herb Yogurt Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.
