Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers

Short Description

Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are a classic Indian dish featuring tender, spiced chicken marinated in a flavorful yogurt-based mix. These skewers are cooked to perfection on a grill, in the oven, air fryer, or even a BBQ, delivering smoky and charred flavors reminiscent of traditional tandoor cooking. Serve them with flatbreads, raita, and fresh salad for a delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Indian flavors with a well-balanced spice blend.
• Versatile cooking methods—grill, oven, air fryer, or BBQ.
• Juicy and tender chicken thanks to a rich yogurt marinade.
• Great for meal prep—marinate ahead for a quick cook time.
• Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tandoori Marinade:

• Chicken breast
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Kashmiri chili powder
• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Fresh coriander
• Lemon juice
• Cooking oil
• Yogurt

For Garnish:

• Freshly chopped coriander

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade

• Finely chop the coriander.
• Peel and mash the garlic into a paste with a pinch of salt.
• Peel and grate the ginger.
• In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger, garlic, salt, cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, lemon juice, and oil until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

• Cut the chicken into 2-3 cm (~1 inch) cubes.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat well.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.

3. Prepare Skewers

• If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.

4. Cooking Methods

Under the Grill (Broiler):

• Preheat the grill to its highest setting.
• Place the skewers under the grill and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).

In the Air Fryer:

• Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the skewers in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).

In the Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (220°C) or 400°F (200°C) for fan-assisted ovens.
• Place the skewers on a wire rack over a baking tray.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F (73°C).

On the BBQ:

• Preheat the BBQ with both direct and indirect heat areas.
• Oil the grill grates.
• Sear the kebabs over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side.
• Move them to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F (73°C), about 8-15 minutes.

5. Optional Charring

• For an authentic smoky flavor, use a kitchen blow torch to add slight charring to the chicken before serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with chapati, naan, kachumber salad, or mint raita.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 4-24 hours
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including marination)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a meat-free option.
• Extra Smoky Flavor: Use a charcoal smoking technique by placing a piece of hot coal in a small bowl inside the marinated chicken, covering it for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Creamier Marinade: Add an extra tablespoon of yogurt for a milder, creamier taste.
• Herb-Infused Tikka: Mix chopped mint and extra coriander into the marinade.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze marinated, uncooked chicken in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay juicier when cooked.

Do I have to marinate the chicken for a full 4 hours?

For the best results, marinate for at least 4 hours, but 12-24 hours will give the most tender and flavorful chicken.

Can I cook these kebabs on the stovetop?

Yes, but grilling or baking is preferred for an authentic tandoori-style char.

What can I serve with these kebabs?

They pair well with naan, chapati, raita, kachumber salad, or even as a filling for wraps.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well and makes the marinade thicker and richer.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).

Can I use pre-ground ginger and garlic?

Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use pre-ground versions.

How do I get the red color like restaurant-style chicken tikka?

Kashmiri chili powder provides a natural red hue, but you can add a pinch of red food coloring if desired.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.

How can I make this dish more authentic?

Cooking on a charcoal grill or adding a light charring with a blow torch will enhance the smoky, tandoor-style flavor.

Conclusion

Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are a must-try for anyone who loves bold Indian flavors. Whether cooked on a grill, in the oven, or in an air fryer, this dish is packed with spice, tenderness, and authentic taste. Serve with chapati, raita, and salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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