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Indulge your taste buds with this irresistible Tandoori Chicken Skewers recipe! Bursting with aromatic spices and tender chicken, this dish promises to transport you to the heart of India’s culinary delights. They can be prepared in advance and are perfect for family meals or larger gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a just starting out to cook, these step-by-step guide will ensure your success for this recipe.
This Tandoori kebabs recipe pairs tender chunks of chicken, marinated to perfection in a harmonious blend of aromatic spices and tangy yogurt with the smoky flavors of a grill. Tandoori chicken skewers pay homage to the traditional tandoori cooking method but can also be cooked in a grill pan or griddle. Tandoori chicken kebabs aren’t only for special occasions; they can also make for quick and flavorful weeknight dinners.
If you love Tandoori Chicken, try my Healthy Chicken Tikka Masasla or Easy Chicken Biryani.
Why You’ll Love This Indian Chicken Kebab Recipe
- It’s great for gatherings. Hosting a barbecue, picnic, or casual get-together? These kebabs are perfect for feeding a crowd and eliciting compliments from your guests.
- Simplicity: Our step-by-step instructions ensure that even beginners can achieve fantastic results. While the flavors are complex, the recipe itself is simple to prepare.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of aromatic spices has all the authentic Indian flavors that will leave you craving more.
- Healthier Option: Grilling reduces the need for excessive oil, making this a healthier choice without compromising taste.
Tandoori Chicken Ingredients
- Yogurt: Yogurt forms the base of the marinade, contributing creaminess and tanginess. It also helps tenderize the chicken. Greek yogurt or plain yogurt can be used. If you’re dairy-free, you can try coconut milk yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
- Olive Oil: Enhances the marinade flavor. Use any light to mild neutral-flavored olive oil. Also prevents the meat from sticking to the grill.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides a refreshing acidity that balances the flavors. Lime juice is a good substitute.
- Ginger and Garlic Paste: This mixture brings aromatic depth to the marinade. You can finely grate fresh ginger and garlic and use them separately instead of the prepared paste.
- Red Chili Powder: Adds heat and a rich red color to the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Substitute with paprika for a milder version.
- Ground Cumin: Cumin contributes earthiness and warmth.
- Garam Masala: This fragrant spice blend is essential for the authentic tandoori flavor. If you don’t have garam masala, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances all of the other flavors.
- Turmeric Powder: Imparts a warm color and mild flavor. Turmeric also has potential health benefits.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are used for their juiciness and tenderness. If you prefer white meat, you can use chicken breasts, but they might require slightly less cooking time.
How To Make Tandoori Chicken Kebab
- Prepare the Tandoori Chicken marinade. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients to marinate the chicken: yogurt, oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, red chili powder, cumin, garam masala, salt, turmeric, and black pepper.
- Marinate the chicken. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken pieces to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thread the Skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, pushing them until the end of the skewers. Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly distributed.
- Grill the Kebobs. Preheat a griddle or grill pan over medium heat. Place the chicken skewers on the griddle or grill pan, making sure they are evenly spaced. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers often to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice char on the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked through and has a golden color, remove the skewers from the heat.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish the chicken skewers with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze lemon wedges.
Tips To Make Tandoori Chicken Skewers
- Cut evenly: Cut the chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Marination Magic: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Pre-soak Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning during grilling.
- Perfect Grill Temperature: Aim for medium-high heat for that beautiful char without overcooking the chicken.
- Basting Brilliance: Baste the skewers with any extra sauce while grilling to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Allow to rest: After grilling, let the kebabs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness.
- Prep the Grill: Brush a bit of oil on the grates of the grill or the surface of the pan to prevent sticking. This also helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional Tandoori Chicken is a South Asian dish of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked to perfection in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven.
The marinade for tandoori chicken has a lot of flavor thanks to a medley of spices. Red chili powder adds a hint of spice, but it’s easily adjustable by increasing or decreasing the amount of spiced used.
Preheat your oven to around 400 degrees F and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer a juicier texture, chicken breasts work well too. Just ensure not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat leftover kebabs, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Place the marinated chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
Tandoori Chicken Kebabs pair wonderfully with Fries, Rice, Naan Bread, Cauliflower Rice, or a Fresh Salad. Add Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes or Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus. Serve them with a side of cooling mint yogurt sauce (raita) to balance the spices.
More Kebob Recipes
- Grilled Oven Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Beef Kabobs
- Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Garlic Shrimp Kabobs
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
These Tandoori Chicken Skewers will satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds like never before. Enjoy the perfect harmony of spices and aromas that will keep you coming back for more! I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious Indian Tandoori Skewers recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!
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Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger and garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 ½ lb skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch size pieces
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the ingredients to marinate the chicken: yogurt, oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, red chili powder, cumin, garam masala, salt, turmeric, and black pepper.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the chicken pieces to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, pushing them until the end of the skewers. Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly distributed.
- Preheat a griddle or grill pan over medium heat.
- Place the chicken skewers on the griddle or grill pan, making sure they are evenly spaced. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning the skewers often to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice char on the chicken.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and has a golden color, remove the skewers from the heat.
- Garnish the chicken skewers with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze lemon wedges.
Notes
-
- Cut evenly: Cut the chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking.
-
- Check for doneness: Using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
-
- Marinate Well: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop fully.
-
- Pre-soak Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning during grilling.
-
- Perfect Grill Temperature: Aim for medium-high heat for that beautiful char without overcooking the chicken.
-
- Basting Brilliance: Baste the skewers with any extra sauce while grilling to enhance moisture and flavor.
-
- Allow to rest: After grilling, let the kebabs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness.
-
- Prep the Grill: Brush a bit of oil on the grates of the grill or the surface of the pan to prevent sticking. This also helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Simply delicious ! Thank u 👍🏻😋🙏🏻
Thanks Iyeda, glad you enjoyed the recipe.