Tandoori-Spiced Chicken with Yogurt and Turmeric Marinade
Juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt, turmeric, and traditional Indian spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This Indian-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, plain yogurt, ground turmeric for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garam masala, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder, stirring until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Brush the grill with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges have a slight char.
- Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves before serving.









