Indian Style Grilled Chicken

Indulge in the bold and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine with this Indian Style Grilled Chicken recipe, a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and spicy notes. Juicy chicken drumsticks or thighs are infused with a vibrant marinade made from plain yogurt, zesty lemon juice, and a medley of traditional Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. This effortless dish is prepared with a quick 20-minute prep, followed by grilling or baking for a golden, charred finish that locks in incredible flavor. Whether served with warm naan, fluffy basmati rice, or a crisp green salad, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Perfect for those seeking a flavorful, protein-rich dinner option, this recipe highlights authentic Indian seasoning while offering a healthy grilled alternative.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks (or thighs)
• 1 cup Plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Clean and pat dry the chicken drumsticks or thighs. Make 2-3 deep slashes on each piece to ensure the marinade seeps in well.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and cooking oil. Mix to form a smooth marinade.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavors.

Step 4

Preheat a grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 5

Place the marinated chicken on the grill or the prepared baking sheet. If grilling, turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking. If baking, cook for 25-30 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through.

Step 6

Check if the chicken is cooked by piercing the thickest piece with a knife—juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Step 8

Serve hot with naan, rice, or a side of green salad and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1151.4 grams (1151.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1924

Total Fat 107.40g	138%
Saturated Fat 27.40g	137%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 759mg	253%
Sodium 4022mg	175%
Total Carbohydrate 43.00g	16%
Dietary Fiber 4.50g	16%
Total Sugars 18.40g
Protein 195.30g	391%

Vitamin D 158IU	788%
Calcium 635mg	49%
Iron 12mg	69%
Potassium 2871mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.3%

Protein: 40.7%

Carbs: 9.0%