Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Juicy chicken marinated in aromatic tandoori spices and grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends chicken thighs, boneless skinless, plain 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
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves
- 1 small green chili, seeded
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for sauce)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Stir to form a smooth marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: For the mint yogurt sauce, blend 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, 1 small seeded green chili, and 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 5: Serve grilled chicken hot with a generous drizzle of the mint yogurt sauce on top for a cooling contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mint Yogurt 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 Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mint Yogurt 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 Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mint Yogurt 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 Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mint Yogurt 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 Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Mint Yogurt 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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