Chef John's Tandoori Chicken

In this simple recipe, chicken is marinated in yogurt and tandoori masala, then grilled over hot coals to produce the complex flavors of Tandoori chicken.

• Preparation Time: 5 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 215 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 0.5 lime, juiced
• 1.5 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1.5 tablespoons tandoori masala powder

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.

Step 2

Remove chicken from the bag and transfer to a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat chicken pieces dry with more paper towels.

Step 3

Whisk lime juice, yogurt, tandoori powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour mixture into a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 4

Grill chicken on the preheated grill with the lid open for 2 minutes. Close lid and continue to grill chicken for 6 minutes.

Step 5

Turn chicken, close lid and grill until well-browned and meat is no longer pink in the center, about 6 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).