Tandoori Chicken Thighs Spiced (Printable)

Succulent spiced chicken thighs marinated in a yogurt blend and roasted to smoky perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Marinade

02 - 1 lime, juiced
03 - 3/4 teaspoon table salt
04 - 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 - 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt
06 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
09 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

# Directions:

01 - Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and ground cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to thoroughly coat each piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for up to 24 hours.
04 - Preheat your oven's broiler on high, or set the oven to 450°F if broiling is not available.
05 - Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded for even cooking.
06 - Cook under the broiler or bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are dry and charred in spots. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until fully cooked through and slightly charred on both sides.
07 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot with lemon wedges, salad, rice, or naan as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bold, authentic flavor: A rich blend of smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne delivers deep, aromatic Indian flavor in every bite.
  • Keto-friendly and low-carb: With only 7 g of carbohydrates per serving, this dish fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
  • Gluten-free: Made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, it's a safe and satisfying choice for those avoiding gluten.
  • Simple preparation: Just 15 minutes of prep before the marinade does all the work overnight.
  • Perfect for entertaining: Impressive enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight family dinner.
  • Versatile serving options: Pairs beautifully with lemon wedges, salad, rice, naan, or a cooling cucumber raita.
02 -
  • Marinate overnight: For the deepest flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 24 hours. The longer it rests, the more tender and flavorful the result.
  • Dry the chicken first: Patting the chicken thighs thoroughly dry before applying the lime juice and marinade helps the coating adhere better and promotes superior charring.
  • Add smokiness: For extra smokiness, briefly char the cooked chicken over a gas flame or grill after it comes out of the oven.
  • Don't crowd the pan: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer with space between each piece so they roast and char rather than steam.
  • Check allergens: Always check yogurt and spice labels for potential allergens or cross-contamination, especially if cooking for guests with dietary restrictions.
  • Serve with cooling accompaniments: Cucumber raita or fresh coriander provides a refreshing contrast to the bold, spiced chicken.
Go back