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Flavorful Golden Turmeric Baked Chicken Thighs with Easy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

turmeric baked chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers golden, vibrant baked chicken thighs infused with turmeric and paired with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for cozy dinners with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (small handful for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine turmeric powder, olive oil, ground cumin (if using), salt, and pepper to form a smooth paste.
  4. Rub the turmeric mixture all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin where possible.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, check that juices run clear.
  7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  9. Serve the chicken thighs with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and juiciness. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even crisping. If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Garlic yogurt sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: turmeric chicken, baked chicken thighs, garlic yogurt sauce, easy chicken recipe, golden chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, gluten-free, dairy-free option