Tandoori-Spiced Roasted Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and tandoori spices, then roasted to a tender finish with a smoky edge. This Indian-inspired summer cookout recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. 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 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala spice blend
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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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, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp tandoori masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
- Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat each piece evenly; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor infusion.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, then roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the skin is charred at the edges and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; serve warm with rice or naan.









