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Indian Grilled Chicken Thighs

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Indian Grilled Chicken Thighs

Indian Grilled Chicken Thighs bring the warmth of home kitchens right to your table. This dish, a staple in Indian households, is often prepared for casual family meals or small gatherings, where there's no rush, just the promise of good food and company. The recipe captures the essence of home cooking, where measurements are instinctual, and the emphasis is on flavor rather than precision.

Expect a smoky, succulent taste with each bite, as the chicken thighs absorb the marinade of yogurt and spices, leaving them tender and full of flavor. The paprika adds a gentle heat, while the salt and black pepper tie everything together. This dish is meant for sharing, inviting everyone to savor a piece of home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thighs
  • 2 tbspyogurt
  • 1 tbspoil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by patting the 800 g chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the chicken brown evenly. Season the chicken generously with fine sea salt and black pepper, ensuring all sides are coated. Sprinkle 1 tsp paprika over the chicken, rubbing it in gently to distribute the spice evenly.
  2. In a large non-stick skillet or grill pan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Allow them to brown undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a deep golden crust. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  3. While the chicken is browning, in a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp yogurt with a pinch more salt and black pepper to taste. Once both sides of the chicken are browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the yogurt mixture to the pan. Stir gently to coat the chicken thighs evenly in the yogurt sauce.
  4. Add any desired aromatics such as finely chopped garlic or ginger to the pan, if using. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the aromatics are tender and fragrant. The yogurt sauce should begin to thicken slightly as it cooks.
  5. Check the consistency of the sauce. If it appears too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to reduce, stirring occasionally. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary, ensuring the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from heat. The chicken should be tender and juicy, with the yogurt sauce clinging to it. If desired, finish with freshly chopped herbs such as cilantro for a burst of freshness before serving.
  7. Transfer the Indian Grilled Chicken Thighs to a serving platter, ensuring each piece is coated with the rich, flavorful sauce. Serve immediately, sharing the dish family-style, as is traditional in Indian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Indian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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