Indian-spiced chicken recipe
Covered in herbs and spices, these delicious chicken thighs are baked in the oven for an easy weeknight dinner, without any added oils.
Ingredients
![]() | 4-6 pieces of chicken – you can use any type of fresh or defrosted chicken, boneless or boned. I’m using thighs. |
![]() | 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or flakes |
![]() | 2 teaspoons of paprika |
![]() | 2 teaspoons of red chilli powder |
![]() | 1 teaspoon of onion powder |
![]() | 1 teaspoon of dried coriander; you can use fresh coriander (cilantro) as well. |
![]() | 1 teaspoon of dried basil |
![]() | 1 teaspoon of turmeric |
![]() | (Optional) 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper |
| 1 lemon | |
![]() | Pinch of salt and pepper |
How to make this Indian-inspired chicken recipe
- Mix the spices and oil together in a large bowl.
- Coat the chicken thighs generously with the spice mixture.
- Marinate in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken on a baking tray and cook for about 35 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve warm with a slice of lemon.
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, then you’ll love this easy chicken recipe, which is full of flavor and spices. With a combination of herbs and spices, the chicken turns a juicy and delicious golden-brown when cooked in the oven.

This protein-filled dish doesn’t use much oils, letting the natural juices of the chicken do the work for a healthier recipe.
It is an easy dish to prepare and pop in the oven for those busy weeknight meals, when you are trying to get dinner on the table.
Cooking tips
- If using frozen chicken, let it defrost naturally for 1 hour beforehand. I’m using chicken thighs and drumsticks which I find more flavorful, but you can use boneless chicken as well.
- If you don’t have one of the spices listed above, just leave it out as the flavors of the rest will compensate.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces of chicken, fresh or defrosted
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 2 teaspoons of red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried coriander
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the spices and oil together.
- Add the chicken thighs into the bowl and rub each one generously with the spice mixture.
- Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to allow it to marinate.
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven for 400°F (200°C)
- Place the chicken in a cooking tray and cook for 35 minutes, flipping the chicken over every 10 minutes or until the chicken looks golden brown and cooked.
- Serve while warm, with a slice of lemon.
Nutrition
Please note: We are not certified nutritionists and these estimates written and produced for entertainment purposes only.
What to serve with it?
This Indian-spiced chicken can be served with just about any side like a naan and garlic yogurt side to bring out all the flavor. Another option is to serve it with these sautéed garlic potatoes or these Instant pot garlic mashed potatoes.
You can also serve it with a rice or pasta dish, such as this burrata pasta with sun-dried tomatoes.

How to store it?
This Indian-spiced chicken can easily be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge for a few days. Place it in an airtight glass container so that it doesn’t dry out.
If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing so before the chicken is cooked. Place the marinade and the chicken drumsticks in a large freezer bag, and lay the drumsticks flat in the freezer (not lying on top of each other).










