Yogurt Marinade for Tandoori Chicken

Name: Yogurt Marinade for Tandoori Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup whole-milk plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt); 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced or grated; 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tsp Kashmiri chile powder (or mild paprika); 1 tsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed); 1 tsp kosher salt

A deeply aromatic Indian marinade of whole-milk yogurt, lemon, and a warm spice blend that tenderizes chicken and produces the signature brick-red color of tandoori dishes. Plan ahead: chicken should marinate 4-8 hours for best results.

10 minEasyServes 470 cal/serving

IndianSauceNo-CookVegetarianLow CarbKosher-styleGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeLow-SodiumPork-Free

Ingredients

1 cup whole-milk plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced or grated
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp Kashmiri chile powder (or mild paprika)
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup whole-milk plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt), 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed), 4 minced or grated garlic cloves, and 2 tsp grated fresh ginger. Whisk until smooth.
2

Add 2 tsp Kashmiri chile powder (or mild paprika), 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Stir until evenly incorporated and the marinade turns a deep orange-red.
3

Add chicken pieces (bone-in thighs or drumsticks work best) and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
4

Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Shake off excess marinade. Grill, broil, or bake at high heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5

This recipe makes enough marinade for about 2 pounds of chicken.

Questions

Can I make Yogurt Marinade for Tandoori Chicken dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1 cup whole-milk plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt). Swap the yogurt for an unsweetened coconut or soy yogurt. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Yogurt Marinade for Tandoori Chicken ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerated in a sealed jar, it keeps four to five days. Dairy sauces separate when frozen; reheat gently with a splash of milk instead of freezing.

Can I halve or double Yogurt Marinade for Tandoori Chicken?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. There is no cooking pitfall here; the quantities simply scale.

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