Kashmiri Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kashmiri Chili

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

Juicy chicken marinated in spiced yogurt and Kashmiri chili powder, grilled to smoky perfection. This Indian-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken leg quarters, skin removed, plain yogurt, Kashmiri chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1.5 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 chicken leg quarters (skin removed) to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 2 tbsp vegetable oil on grill grates.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kashmiri Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kashmiri Chili take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Kashmiri Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kashmiri Chili?

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 Kashmiri Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kashmiri Chili?

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 Kashmiri Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kashmiri Chili 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 Kashmiri Yogurt-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Kashmiri Chili?

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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