If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful chicken dish, this Tandoori Chicken recipe is a must-try!
Packed with warm spices, tangy lemon, and a creamy yogurt marinade, it delivers juicy, charred chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just need a fuss-free meal, this recipe comes together effortlessly and guarantees delicious results every time.

Ingredients
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 tsp paprika
- 2 red onions, finely chopped
- 16 skinless chicken thighs
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
For the marinade:
- 300ml Greek yogurt
- 1 large piece of ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- ¾ tsp garam masala
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by mixing the lemon juice, paprika, and finely chopped red onions in a large, shallow dish.
- Take each chicken thigh and make three deep cuts on the surface. This helps the flavor get inside!
- Coat the chicken in the lemon mixture, making sure it gets into the cuts, and set it aside for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated ginger, crushed garlic, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, and turmeric.
- Stir everything well until smooth.
- Pour this marinade over the chicken in the dish.
- Mix it thoroughly, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, leave it overnight for even better flavor.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to a high setting.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the thighs on a wire rack positioned over a baking tray.
- This setup allows the heat to circulate evenly.
- Lightly brush the chicken with a bit of vegetable oil to help it crisp up.
- Grill for around 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is lightly charred and fully cooked through (the juices should run clear).
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Adjust the cooking time slightly, grilling for about 6-7 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can leave it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.

Easy Italian-Style Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 4 tsp paprika
- 2 red onions finely chopped
- 16 chicken thighs skinless
- Vegetable oil for brushing
For the marinade
- 300 ml Greek yogurt
- 1 large piece of ginger grated
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- ¾ tsp garam masala
- ¾ tsp cumin ground
- ½ chili powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by mixing the lemon juice, paprika, and finely chopped red onions in a large, shallow dish.Take each chicken thigh and make three deep cuts on the surface.This helps the flavor get inside!Coat the chicken in the lemon mixture, making sure it gets into the cuts, and set it aside for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Make the Marinade
- In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated ginger, crushed garlic, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, and turmeric.Stir everything well until smooth.Pour this marinade over the chicken in the dish.Mix it thoroughly, ensuring each piece is fully coated.Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, leave it overnight for even better flavor.
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to a high setting.Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the thighs on a wire rack positioned over a baking tray.This setup allows the heat to circulate evenly.Lightly brush the chicken with a bit of vegetable oil to help it crisp up.Grill for around 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is lightly charred and fully cooked through (the juices should run clear).
hey Sandra, tried this marinade recipe last night and it was a hit at my BBQ. Never knew marinading for longer could make such a big difference. Thanks for the tip!
hey sandra, can i use something else instead of grill? dont have one rn. maybe a skillet?
Skillet works fine, just make sure to get it really hot before. Gives a nice sear to the chicken.
hey sandra, can i use lemon instead of lime for the marinade? dont got lime
Lemon works fine, just a bit different in taste.
why not try orange too lol
tried this with my secret rub and it turned out fantastic, the best chicken my family ever had thanks sandra
Marinading for 24 hours really necessary? feels like a lot of waiting for chicken.
Trust me, it’s worth it. Makes the chicken super tender.
Grilling chicken is my fav. Marinade overnight makes it amazing. Good tips, Sandra!
Absolutely love the clear instructions! Can’t wait to try this at our next family BBQ.
i always mess up chicken breast lol thanks for the tip gonna try thighs this time
can I use lemon instead of vinegar for marinade? or will it mess thing up?
if i marinate this in mountain dew instead, will it taste like gamer fuel?
Please don’t ruin a perfectly good chicken with soda. Just don’t.
Oh look, another chicken recipe. Because we definitely need more of those.
Nice recipe Sandra but everyone knows the real secret to a perfect grilled chicken is in the wood chips you use for smoking. Marinade is just the start.
Every time I grill chicken it comes out dry, even following instructions. Dont know how yall doing this.
If I wanted to try this marinade on tofu instead of chicken, do you think it would work the same, Sandra? Looking for some BBQ options that aren’t meat.
Using breasts for a low fat option could work, esp. with the right marinade to keep moisture.