Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Curry Leaf Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken thighs glazed with a tangy tamarind marinade, served with a vibrant curry leaf and green chili sauce. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs, bone-in, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Coat 4 chicken thighs thoroughly with the tamarind marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the excess.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: While chicken cooks, heat 2 tbsp oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 15 curry leaves and 1 chopped green chili, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp cumin powder and 1 tbsp lime juice to form a fresh sauce.
  7. Step 7: Serve grilled chicken with the curry leaf sauce drizzled over the top or on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Curry Leaf Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Curry Leaf 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Curry Leaf 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Curry Leaf 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 Tamarind-Glazed Grilled Chicken with Curry Leaf Sauce?

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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