Description
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers offer bold Indian flavors with a yogurt and spice marinade, perfect for grilling or parties. These juicy, flavorful skewers are easy to make and customize, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, tandoori masala, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, salt, garlic, and ginger. Mix until smooth.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavors, marinate for 2-4 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
- Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Optionally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the skewers before serving.
Notes
- For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or using a milder tandoori masala.
- If you don’t have a grill, bake skewers in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer, mushrooms, or firm tofu.
- Leftover chicken tikka skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze uncooked skewers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (including marination)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A