Spicy Tangy Baked Chicken Curry (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken thighs baked in rich coconut curry sauce with aromatic spices and tangy lime finish.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
05 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic
06 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
08 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1½ teaspoons chili powder

→ Curry Sauce

10 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
11 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 tablespoon grated fresh garlic
14 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
15 - 2 teaspoons ground coriander
16 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
17 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
19 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
20 - 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
21 - 1½ teaspoons salt
22 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

→ To Garnish

23 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Lime wedges

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for best results.
02 - Preheat your oven to 400°F.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and golden, approximately 5–7 minutes. Stir in fresh ginger and garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until spices become fragrant.
05 - Pour in coconut milk, diced tomatoes, honey, and salt. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
06 - Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Nestle thighs into the sauce, spooning some sauce over each piece to ensure even coating.
07 - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and sauce is bubbling around the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and stir in fresh lime juice. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
09 - Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice. Accompany with lime wedges for additional brightness.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The yogurt marinade makes the chicken impossibly tender while creating those gorgeous browned bits everyone fights over
  • Baking everything in one skillet means less cleanup and more flavor development
02 -
  • The sauce will look thin when you first put it in the oven but it thickens beautifully as it bakes and rests
  • Use bone in thighs because boneless breasts dry out in the time it takes the sauce to develop
03 -
  • Temper the yogurt marinade by mixing in a teaspoon of oil before coating the chicken to prevent sticking
  • Let the curry rest 10 minutes before serving so the sauce reaches its ideal consistency
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