Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

Juicy chicken thighs marinated and baked in a tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice and tamarind, delivering a perfect balance of sour and savory flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, fresh lemon juice, tamarind paste 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp honey until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
  4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, basting halfway through with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh herbal note.

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