Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cilantro-Mint Chutney
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in fragrant tandoori spices and yogurt, grilled to perfection and served alongside a refreshing cilantro-mint chutney. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, plain Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 1 small green chili, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for chutney)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for chutney)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for chutney)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Whisk together to form a smooth marinade.
- Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the chutney by blending 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, 1 small chopped green chili (seeded), 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is charred and cooked through.
- Step 5: Serve the tandoori chicken thighs hot with a generous dollop of cilantro-mint chutney on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cilantro-Mint Chutney take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cilantro-Mint Chutney?
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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cilantro-Mint Chutney?
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-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cilantro-Mint Chutney 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Cilantro-Mint Chutney?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
