Tandoori-Style Grilled Chicken with Assamese Mustard Marinade
Juicy chicken marinated in a pungent Assamese mustard and yogurt blend, grilled to smoky perfection with a slight tang and spice. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, plain yogurt, yellow mustard seeds, soaked and ground 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
- 600 g chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard seeds, soaked and ground
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tbsp soaked and ground yellow mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp mustard oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to form a smooth marinade.
- Step 2: Add 600 g bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until charred in spots and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with fresh salad or steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Style Grilled Chicken with Assamese Mustard Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tandoori-Style Grilled Chicken with Assamese Mustard Marinade?
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-Style Grilled Chicken with Assamese Mustard 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-Style Grilled Chicken with Assamese Mustard 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-Style Grilled Chicken with Assamese Mustard 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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