Saifuddin's Spicy Tandoori Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, aromatic chicken dish marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to smoky perfection—inspired by the name in the search thread. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, grated ginger 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: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs in a bowl, add 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt; mix until chicken is fully coated.
  2. Step 2: Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight) to marinate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil; place marinated chicken on the sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp neutral oil, and arrange in a single layer.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through.
  5. Step 5: Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Saifuddin's Spicy Tandoori Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 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 Saifuddin's Spicy Tandoori 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saifuddin's Spicy Tandoori 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 Saifuddin's Spicy Tandoori 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 Saifuddin's Spicy Tandoori 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.

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