Spiced Singh-Style Tandoori Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and traditional Indian spices, roasted to smoky perfection. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with foil and lightly brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the tray and brush the tops with the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred, turning once halfway.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The chicken should be juicy with a vibrant, spiced crust.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Singh-Style Tandoori Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Spiced Singh-Style Tandoori Chicken Thighs?
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 Spiced Singh-Style Tandoori Chicken Thighs?
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 Spiced Singh-Style Tandoori Chicken Thighs 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 Spiced Singh-Style Tandoori Chicken Thighs?
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.