Kasundi Chicken Marinade (Bengali Mustard Chicken) | Easy Indian Recipe for Grill & Oven

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If you’re searching for a spicy and tangy Indian chicken marinade, this Kasundi Chicken Marinade is a must-try! Packed with the punch of Bengali mustard sauce, creamy yogurt, and warming spices, this recipe creates juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for grilling, oven-roasting, or pan-frying.

Whether you’re planning a BBQ night, or looking for an easy way to use Bengali mustard sauce, or want a marinade that doubles up as a meal prep staple, this dish ticks all the boxes.

Why This Bengali Mustard Chicken Marinade Works

  • Bold & Authentic: Uses Kasundi, a pungent mustard condiment beloved in Bengal.
  • Restaurant-style flavor at home: The mustard oil gives the chicken a tandoor-like taste.
  • Flexible cooking methods: Works on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop.
  • Perfect meal prep: Marinate and refrigerate for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Kasundi Chicken (1 kg)

  • Chicken (boneless thighs or drumsticks) – 1 kg
  • Kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) – 4 tbsp
  • Greek yogurt or hung curd – 6 tbsp
  • Garlic-ginger paste – 2 tbsp
  • Lime juice – 1 tbsp (or 1 tsp vinegar)
  • Mustard oil – 1 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
  • Kashmiri red chili powder – 2 tsp
  • Spicy red chili powder – 1 tsp
  • Garam masala – 1.5 tsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Sugar – ½ tsp

This combination balances the tanginess of mustard, the creaminess of yogurt, and the smokiness of spices, exactly what you need for juicy and flavorful Kasundi chicken. Pro tip: Add a bit of kasuri methi to make it more elevated.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Chicken

Wash, pat dry, and lightly score the chicken for better marinade absorption.

2. Make the Marinade

Whisk together Kasundi mustard sauce, yogurt, garlic-ginger paste, lime juice, mustard oil, turmeric, chili powders, garam masala, salt, and sugar

3. Marinate the Chicken

Coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours minimum (overnight preferred) for best flavor.

4. Cooking Options

  • Grilled Kasundi Chicken: Cook on medium-high until charred and juicy.
  • Oven-Baked Kasundi Chicken: Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 mins, flipping once.
  • Pan-Roasted Mustard Chicken: Fry in a heavy pan with a drizzle of mustard oil until golden.

Serving Suggestions

This Kasundi chicken recipe pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
  • Butter naan, rotis, or parathas
  • As a starter with green chutney and onion rings
  • Inside wraps, frankies, or sandwiches for a fusion twist
  • At BBQs or family gatherings as a crowd-pleaser with salads and dips

Pro Tip: Balance the spicy Kasundi chicken with a refreshing cucumber raita or salad.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

  • Uncooked Marinated Chicken: Store covered in the fridge for up to 24-48 hours. For longer storage, freeze in ziplock bags for up to 1 month.
  • Cooked Kasundi Chicken: Keeps well in the fridge for 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer tip: Always thaw frozen marinated chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking for best results.

This makes Kasundi chicken one of the best make-ahead Indian marinades for busy households.

What Exactly is Kasundi?

Kasundi is a fermented mustard sauce from Bengal, known for its sharp, tangy, and fiery flavor. Unlike regular mustard, Kasundi is spicier and richer, often made with mustard seeds, garlic, green chilies, and aromatic spices.

It’s traditionally enjoyed as a dip with pakoras, fried snacks, or even plain rice. In this recipe, Kasundi acts as the star ingredient, giving the chicken its signature Bengali mustard kick.

If Kasundi is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mix of English mustard + green chili paste, but the authentic Bengali chicken marinade flavor only comes from real Kasundi.

You May Also Like These Chicken Marinades:

This Kasundi Chicken Marinade is the ultimate way to enjoy Bengali flavors with minimal effort. Whether you call it Bengali mustard chicken or Kasundi grilled chicken, this one is extremely delicious!

Kasundi Chicken Marinade

Recipe by Yashasvi MohandasCourse: Main, AppetizersCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

5-6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

A bold, tangy, and spicy Bengali-style chicken marinade made with Kasundi mustard sauce, yogurt, and aromatic spices. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-roasting.

Ingredients

  • Chicken (boneless thighs or drumsticks) – 1 kg

  • Kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) – 4 tbsp

  • Greek yogurt or hung curd – 6 tbsp (adds creaminess & tenderizes)

  • Garlic-ginger paste – 2 tbsp

  • Lime juice – 1 tbsp (or 1 tsp vinegar)

  • Mustard oil – 1 tbsp (for authentic flavor) or neutral oil works too

  • Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

  • Red chili powder (Kashmiri, for color) – 2 tsp

  • Spicy red chili powder – 1 tsp

  • Garam masala – 1.5 tsp

  • Salt – to taste

  • Sugar – ½ tsp (balances mustard sharpness)

Directions

  • Prep the chicken
  • Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Score lightly for better absorption.
  • Mix the marinade
  • In a large bowl, whisk together: Kasundi, yogurt, garlic-ginger paste, lime juice, mustard oil, turmeric, red chili powders, garam masala, salt, and sugar
  • Marinate
  • Coat chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
  • Cook your way
  • Grill: Cook on medium-high heat until slightly charred and juicy.
  • Oven-bake: Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Pan-fry: Cook in a heavy pan with a drizzle of mustard oil until golden.
  • Serve
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, parathas, or as a starter with mint chutney.
  • Great for BBQs and tandoor-style meals with salad and dips

Notes

  • Always marinate chicken in the fridge or freeze it if consuming after 2 days for food safety
  • Adjust chili levels to balance Kasundi’s pungency.

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