Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Marinade

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and tandoori spices, then oven-roasted to smoky perfection. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 340 minutes pairs 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 390 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 300 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp garam masala, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet skin-side up, leaving space between each piece.
  5. Step 5: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred and crispy.
  6. Step 6: For extra color, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with sliced onions and lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 340 minutes (300 min prep + 40 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-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Marinade?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs with Yogurt Marinade?

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 Yogurt Marinade 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 Yogurt Marinade?

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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