Tandoori Chicken: Authentic North Indian Spiced Chicken
Succulent chicken marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and lemon, then grilled to perfection, served with mint chutney and naan bread. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 1.25 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.25 lbs boneless chicken breasts, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves, mixing until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or overnight) for maximum flavor penetration.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C), then brush 2 tbsp vegetable oil over chicken to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are charred, turning once halfway through.
- Step 5: Rest for 5 minutes before slicing, serving with fresh mint chutney and warm naan bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori Chicken: Authentic North Indian Spiced Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Tandoori Chicken: Authentic North Indian Spiced 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 breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tandoori Chicken: Authentic North Indian Spiced 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 Tandoori Chicken: Authentic North Indian Spiced 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 Tandoori Chicken: Authentic North Indian Spiced 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
