Oven Baked Tandoori Chicken Thighs
Tandoori Chicken is a flavorful Indian dish featuring boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture with garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. The chicken is broiled in the oven to achieve a tender, juicy interior with a slightly charred and smoky exterior. This recipe is simple enough for novice cooks yet delivers impressive flavors perfect for family dinners or festive occasions. It pairs beautifully with rice, naan, or fresh salads for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 3/4 teaspoon table salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Marinade
- 1 (7-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and lime juice to season the meat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare for Cooking: Preheat your oven broiler or conventional oven to high heat at 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to catch drippings and simplify cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap, which allows for even cooking and char.
- Cook Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes until the surface looks dry with slightly charred edges, which gives the dish its signature texture and flavor. Carefully flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through. Check for doneness by verifying the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, greatly enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake the chicken at 450°F for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken is cooked safely.
- For extra smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of garam masala or smoked chili powder to the marinade.
- Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the spices.
Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/oven-baked-tandoori-chicken-thighs/