Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Tamarind Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in aromatic tandoori spices, served with a tangy tamarind yogurt sauce that balances smoky and sour notes. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends pounds boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, tandoori masala spice mix 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp tandoori masala spice mix, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt to create the marinade. Mix well until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating all pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Step 3: For the tamarind yogurt sauce, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush grill grates with 2 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Grill marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are charred but juicy.
  6. Step 6: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the chilled tamarind yogurt sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tandoori-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Tamarind Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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.

Related recipes