Grilled Spiced Chicken Thighs with Onion Garnish
Embark on a culinary voyage with these Grilled Spiced Chicken Thighs, inspired by the classic Chicken Tikka recipe and tailored for two diners. By using succulent chicken thighs marinated in a robust blend of spices, yogurt, and fresh ingredients, this dish delivers a delightful explosion of flavor. The unique combination of cardamom, garlic, and ginger in the marinade imparts a fragrant, aromatic essence to the chicken, while the fresh onions served atop add a crunchy contrast. Perfect for a summer barbecue, this dish brings the warmth of Indian spices to your grill, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or an intimate dinner at home.
2
Servings
320
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
4 (skin removed)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
cardamom
1 (pod; seeds removed and ground)
garlic
1 (clove; peeled)
ginger
1 tablespoon (peeled and coarsely chopped)
plain yogurt
1/3 cup (unsweetened)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh ground black pepper
1/3 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1 dash (to taste)
onion
1/4 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Carefully remove the skin from each thigh and season them lightly with salt. Allow the thighs to rest for a few minutes while you prepare the marinade.
2
In a mini food processor or spice grinder, combine the cardamom pod (removing the seeds from the pod), garlic, and chopped ginger. Blend until you achieve a smooth, fine paste.
3
Transfer the paste into a mixing bowl or a zip-top bag. Add in the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir or seal and shake the bag to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag (if using) or cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
5
Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high. Once hot, brush the grate with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off before placing them on the grill.
6
Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, turning occasionally until the outside is golden brown and the inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7
Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and generously top with the thinly sliced onions for added crunch and flavor. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
17
Fat
7
Carbs
24
Protein
0.5
Fiber
3
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Spiced Chicken Thighs with Onion Garnish?
It is a culinary dish inspired by classic Chicken Tikka, featuring succulent chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled and topped with fresh onions.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is specifically tailored for two diners, providing two servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the marinade paste?
The marinade paste is made by blending a cardamom pod (seeds only), one garlic clove, and one tablespoon of peeled, coarsely chopped ginger.
How long should I marinate the chicken thighs?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 6 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
What type of chicken cut is used?
The recipe uses 4 chicken thighs with the skin removed.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does the grilling process take?
Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes per side on medium-high heat until golden brown.
What role does the onion serve in this recipe?
Thinly sliced raw onions are used as a garnish to provide a crunchy contrast and extra flavor to the grilled meat.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with 320 calories and 24 grams of protein, it is a high-protein option suitable for many diets.
What spices provide the heat in this dish?
The heat comes from a dash of cayenne pepper and 1/3 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt.
Is there any lemon juice in the recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is included in the marinade.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 320 calories per serving of this dish.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 17 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the Grilled Spiced Chicken Thighs?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
This dish is high in protein, offering 24 grams per serving.
How should I prepare the cardamom for the marinade?
Remove the seeds from the cardamom pod and blend them with the garlic and ginger to form a paste.
Should the chicken skin be left on?
No, the instructions specify to carefully remove the skin from each thigh before seasoning and marinating.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Once the grill is hot, brush the grate with oil before placing the chicken on it.
What amount of ginger is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of peeled and coarsely chopped fresh ginger.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There are 3 grams of sugar per serving, naturally occurring in the ingredients like yogurt and onion.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.5 grams per serving.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Can I use a spice grinder for the marinade paste?
Yes, a mini food processor or a spice grinder can be used to achieve a smooth, fine paste for the marinade.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
The recipe is inspired by the classic Indian Chicken Tikka recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is designed for the grill and brings warm Indian spices to a classic outdoor cooking setting.
What type of onion should I use for the garnish?
The recipe calls for 1/4 of an onion, thinly sliced.
How should I apply the marinade?
Add the chicken to the marinade in a bowl or zip-top bag, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated before refrigerating.
Should the chicken be seasoned with salt?
Yes, the chicken should be seasoned lightly with salt before the marinade is applied.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include grilled chicken, chicken tikka, spiced chicken thighs, bbq chicken, indian cuisine, and comfort food.