Grilled Tandoori Chicken (Print Version)
Tender chicken thighs marinated in spiced yogurt, grilled until smoky and charred.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Marinade
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1½-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 tsp ground cumin
08 - 2 tsp ground coriander
09 - 1½ tsp paprika
10 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
11 - 1 tsp garam masala
12 - 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
13 - 1½ tsp salt
→ Garnish
14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Using a sharp knife, lightly score the chicken thighs with shallow cuts to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.
03 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor development.
04 - Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking during cooking.
05 - Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until charred at the edges and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The yogurt marinade creates impossibly tender meat while infusing every bite with complex spices
- That gorgeous char from the grill gives you restaurant-quality flavor without a tandoor oven
02 -
- Pat excess marinade off the chicken before grilling to prevent burning and promote better charring
- The chicken will continue cooking slightly while resting, so pull it when it hits 160°F
03 -
- Line your grill with foil under the chicken for easier cleanup since the marinade will drip
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking