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Crispy Indian-Style Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

Published: Jan 1, 2025 · Modified: Mar 1, 2025 by admin · This post may contain affiliate links · Nutrition values are estimates only. Leave a Comment

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Are you craving the bold, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? These Indian-Style Oven Baked Chicken Thighs are your answer to a quick, flavorful dinner that delivers authentic taste without the fuss of traditional cooking methods.

Perfectly baked Indian-style chicken thighs with golden-brown exterior in a serving bowl, ready to eat

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a spectacular meal using a simple yogurt-based marinade packed with traditional Indian spices. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the spice blend creates a mouthwatering crust when baked. Best of all, your oven does most of the work!

  • Quick prep time - Just 15 minutes of hands-on preparation
  • Healthier option - Baked instead of fried for less oil
  • Budget-friendly - Chicken thighs are economical yet flavorful
  • Perfect for meal prep - Stays juicy when reheated

The Secret to Perfect Indian-Spiced Chicken

The magic of this dish lies in two key elements: the yogurt marinade and the baking method. The lactic acid in yogurt breaks down proteins in the chicken, resulting in incredibly tender meat. Meanwhile, baking on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the chicken, creating that coveted crispy exterior without deep frying.

Indian-spiced chicken thighs baking in oven with visible golden-brown crust forming

Serving Suggestions

These Indian-style chicken thighs are versatile and pair wonderfully with:

  • Basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice
  • Warm naan bread or roti
  • A simple cucumber raita for cooling contrast
  • Fresh garden salad with lemon dressing
  • Steamed vegetables seasoned with cumin and coriander

Recipe Variations

  • Spice Level: Adjust the red chili powder and flakes to suit your heat preference
  • Herbs: Add ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro to the marinade for a herbal note
  • Smoky Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the spice mix
  • Citrus Twist: Use lime instead of lemon for a slightly different tangy note

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

  • The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance
  • Leftover cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain the crispy texture
  • These chicken thighs also taste delicious cold in salads or wraps

Nutrition Information

One serving of Oven Baked Chicken Thighs | Indian Style, which is 1 bowl (~100g), contains 196 calories with 25g of protein, 2g of fiber and 7g of carbs.

Nutrition Facts
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs | Indian Style
Serving Size
 
1 bowl (~100g)
Amount per Serving
Calories
196
% Daily Value*
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Sodium
 
779
mg
34
%
Potassium
 
492
mg
14
%
Vitamin D
 
0.1
µg
1
%
Calcium
 
113
mg
11
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, though cooking time will be shorter, and the meat may not be as juicy. Check for doneness around 20-22 minutes.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What if I don't have all the spices?

You can substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of ready-made tandoori masala if available.


This Indian-Style Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe brings the complex flavors of Indian cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of yogurt marinade and oven baking creates chicken that's tender on the inside with a satisfying spiced crust on the outside. Try it tonight for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together easily!


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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Oven Chicken Fry:

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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs | Indian Style

A flavorful and crispy Indian-style baked chicken, marinated with aromatic spices and yogurt, then baked to perfection in an oven.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Servings 4 servings
Calories 196 kcal
ProteinProtein 25 g
FiberFiber 2 g
FatFat 8 g
CarbohydratesCarbs 7 g

Equipment

  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients
 

For Marinade:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs bone-in or boneless, skinless (small or large pieces)
  • 1 cup yogurt plain
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a large bowl, combine 1 lb chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 tablespoon coriander Powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 tablespoon red chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well.
    Colorful array of Indian spices including turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander and cumin powder next to chicken thighs
  • Add 1 cup yogurt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well.
    Creamy yogurt being mixed with vibrant Indian spices to create marinade for chicken thighs

Bake the Chicken:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack.
    Marinated Indian-style chicken thighs arranged on a wire rack over a baking sheet ready for the oven
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
    Indian-spiced chicken thighs baking in oven with visible golden-brown crust forming

Serve:

  • Transfer the baked chicken to a serving plate and garnish with lemon wedges or fresh coriander. Serve hot with rice or naan.
    Perfectly baked Indian-style chicken thighs with golden-brown exterior in a serving bowl, ready to eat

Video

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs | Indian Style
Serving Size
 
1 bowl (~100g)
Amount per Serving
Calories
196
% Daily Value*
Protein
 
25
g
50
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Sodium
 
779
mg
34
%
Potassium
 
492
mg
14
%
Vitamin D
 
0.1
µg
1
%
Calcium
 
113
mg
11
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Made this recipe?Meals are better when they're shared. Tag @ThaliMethod on Insta or Tiktok or use hashtag #ThaliMethod so we can all enjoy it! or send it to a friend!

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I'm on a mission to bring balance back to our plates, one delicious Indian meal at a time. ThaliMethod is my way of shaking up how we think about our kitchens and our food. We're not about restrictive diets; we're about smart portions and celebrating the incredible variety of Indian cuisine. Join me, and let's redefine what a 'balanced meal' really looks like.

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