This Spicy Tandoori Chicken Sandwich is one of the best chicken sandwiches you'll ever make! Made with authentic tandoori chicken thighs, this spicy twist on the classic chicken sandwich is easy, tasty, and perfect for meal prep!
If you love authentic tandoori recipes, then try my tandoori chicken wings or the tandoori cauliflower recipe next!
👉 This spicy tandoori chicken sandwich recipe has been a family favorite and was first shared in 2017. It was updated with new photos and step-by-step instructions in March 2025.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Tandoori Chicken Sandwich Recipe
🕒 Ready In: 50 minutes plus marinating time
👪 Serves: 4 sandwiches
🧑🍳 Main Ingredients: chicken thighs, tandoori marinade, buns, lettuce, herbs, mayo and lemon
📖 Dietary Info: High protein
📌 Difficulty: Fairly easy
Why you’ll love this tandoori chicken sandwich?
We’re big fans of my tandoori chicken, and I usually make a double batch just so I can turn the leftovers into delicious chicken sandwiches. This recipe is inspired by the famous spicy fried chicken sandwich, but I swapped in flavorful tandoori chicken for a healthier, equally satisfying twist. And I’ve modified my cilantro lime sauce recipe to make a creamy herb lemon mayo that takes it to the next level.
- maria doss
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Tandoori chicken: I use my popular air fryer tandoori chicken recipe which is made using authentic Indian spices, yogurt, lemon, kasoori methi, ginger and garlic.
Herb mayo: Creamy mayonnaise along with chopped mint, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, onion and lemon juice.
Buns: I like to use buttery soft Brioche buns, but regular hamburger buns will be equally delicious. I used to make the spicy shrimp sandwich or the air fryer chicken burger, using regular buns.
Lettuce: Fresh butter lettuce adds color, contrast in texture and some crunch.
Tips for Success
- Use plain yogurt and not any flavored yogurt.
- Kassori methi or dry methi leaves is available in all Indian grocery stores or Amazon. Feel free to skip it, if unavailable.
- If Kashimiri chili powder is unavailable, then skip and increase the cayenne.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spiciness level.
- If you like to make it lighter, then use replace some of the mayo with yogurt, reduce the lemon juice and add a pinch of sugar.
More Tandoori Recipes
Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
For the tandoori chicken
- ⅓ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon kasoori methi optional
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder or use ½ to 1 teaspoon additonal cayenne
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the herb mayo
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup finely chopped mint
- ½ cup finely chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped remove seeds, if you prefer less spicy
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- salt to taste
For the sandwiches
- 4 buns
- lettuce leaves as needed
Instructions
Make tandoori chicken
- Marinate chicken. Add all the ingredients listed under “for the tandoori chicken” (except the chicken) into a bowl and mix until well combined. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for more flavor.
- To air fry. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place chicken thighs, smooth side down and cook for 5 minutes. Using tongs, flip so that the smooth side is facing up. Continue cooking at the same temperature for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- To broil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on a large baking sheet and arrange the chicken thighs on the rack, smooth side up. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat element, then place the baking sheet in the oven. Set the oven to broil and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken begins to char. Remove. 👉 Check the chicken halfway through cooking. If it’s browning unevenly, carefully rotate the baking sheet to help it char evenly.
Make herb mayo
- Mix all ingredients under "for the herb mayo" in a bowl. Refrigerate if not serving immediately.
Assemble sandwiches
- Spread a generous layer of the herb mayo on the inside of both the top and bottom buns. Place the tandoori chicken on the bottom bun, top with lettuce, then cover with the top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
Watch How To Make It
How to make tandoori chicken sandwich?
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Make ahead instructions
Prepare the tandoori chicken and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw it at room temperature, as the spicy tandoori chicken sandwich is best served at room temperature.
The herb mayo can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 5 days. However, keep in mind that the spiciness will intensify over time as the jalapeño peppers infuse the mayo. If you plan to store it, I recommend reducing the jalapeño to control the heat.
This tandoori marinade is so flavorful and delicious, I used it to make tandoori chicken wings and tandoori cauliflower.
More spicy chicken recipes
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💚 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love to hear your feedback! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Hi, I’m Maria! I share easy, flavor-packed dinners, high-protein meals, and irresistible baking ideas. If you’ve ever asked, “Don’t know what to cook tonight?” you’re in the right place. And yes—there’s plenty here for breakfast, snacks, and dessert too. More about maria ->
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats
Can you believe I have never had tandoori chicken before?! It looks so yummy though that color!! And I love that you turned leftovers into a sandwich! Perfection:) xoxo
Maria Doss
Thank you kelly. It is the iconic tandoori color:)
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes
That chicken has been baked to perfection!! And that mayo sounds so flavorful!! My kind of sandwich 🙂
Maria Doss
Thanks dear:)
Maria Doss
Totally, thanks dear:)
Patrick@looneyforfood.com
Looks soooo good! And I'm a sauce loving dude so the mayo sounds delicious
Maria Doss
Thanks Patrick
Anindya Sundar
Liked it. Will try for sure
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I've never had tandoori chicken but the flavors sound wonderful! And I love the color too :). Have a great week, Maria!
Maria Doss
Tandoori is the best. I might just be biased:) Thank you Kelsie.
Karly
Okay, mouth is watering. Late night cravings in full force. This. Looks. Amazing! Neeeeeed to try it soon!
Maria Doss
Thank you so much Karly:)