Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs?

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 Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs 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 Tangy Citrus and Tamarind Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean 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