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Chaat Masala Chicken Thighs


🍗 Chaat Masala Chicken Thighs with Creamy Cilantro Chutney (Air Fryer Recipe)

Bold, tangy, and packed with spice, these crispy-skinned chicken thighs are seasoned with chaat masala and served with a cooling, herby yogurt chutney.


📝 Ingredients

For the Chaat Masala Chicken Thighs

  • 8 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (excess fat trimmed)

  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt (½ Tbsp per side)

  • 1 Tbsp baking powder (½ Tbsp per side)

  • 4 tsp chaat masala (2 tsp per side)

For the Cilantro Chutney

  • 1 ½ cups tightly packed cilantro leaves

  • ½ Serrano pepper, roughly chopped

  • ¼-inch piece of fresh ginger, roughly chopped

  • ½ tsp lemon juice

  • 6 Tbsp plain yogurt

  • ¾ tsp honey

  • ¼ tsp ground cumin

  • ¼ tsp chaat masala

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

  • 2 tsp water


👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

  • Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  • Sprinkle ½ Tbsp kosher salt on each side. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.

  • After 15 minutes, pat the chicken dry again.

2. Season the Chicken

  • Sprinkle ½ Tbsp baking powder and 2 tsp chaat masala on each side of the chicken.

  • Rub seasoning in well so the skin is fully coated.

3. Air Fry the Chicken

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place chicken skin-side down in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed).

  • Air fry for 12 minutes, then flip so skin side is up.

  • Air fry for another 12 minutes, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.

4. Make the Cilantro Chutney

  • In a food processor, combine cilantro, serrano, ginger, lemon juice, yogurt, honey, spices, salt, and water.

  • Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or heat if needed.


🍽️ To Serve

Serve the crispy chicken thighs hot with a generous dollop of cool cilantro chutney on the side. Pair with rice, naan, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.


💡 Pro Tips

  • Don’t skip the resting period after saltingit’s key to crispy skin!

  • Adjust the spice level of the chutney by using more or less serrano.

  • Chutney can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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