Indian Tikka Spiced Chicken (Printable Version)

Crispy, golden chicken marinated in aromatic tandoori spices and yogurt for maximum tenderness and flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 28 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks

→ Marinade

02 - 5.3 oz plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 tsp ground cumin
08 - 2 tsp ground coriander
09 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 ½ tsp garam masala
11 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
12 - 1 tsp chili powder, adjust to taste
13 - 1 tsp salt
14 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

→ To Serve (optional)

15 - Fresh cilantro leaves
16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Sliced red onion

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
02 - Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
03 - Set oven to 430°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
04 - Place marinated chicken pieces evenly on the wire rack, shaking off excess marinade.
05 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through until cooked and edges are slightly charred. For extra crispness, broil for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and sliced red onion. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The yogurt marinade creates impossibly tender, juicy chicken that practically falls apart
  • This recipe gives you restaurant quality tandoori flavor without needing a traditional clay oven
  • The spice blend hits every perfect note, smoky, earthy, warming, with just enough heat
02 -
  • Patting the chicken slightly dry before roasting helps the marinade caramelize instead of steaming
  • The wire rack is non negotiable for authentic texture, cooking directly on the pan makes the bottom soggy
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for 20 minutes before roasting
03 -
  • Use a ziplock bag for marinating, flipping it occasionally ensures every piece gets equal attention
  • Letting the chicken come to room temperature before cooking prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside catches up
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