My kitchen first smelled like summer markets in Delhi after one whiff of Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers. These bright-red beauties are trending everywhere right now from TikTok to Pinterest food boards. Surprisingly, they’re easier than they look! All it takes is a flavorful marinade, some skewering, and a quick roast or grill. No fancy gadgets. Just one bowl, one baking sheet, and one unforgettable meal.
Think juicy chunks of chicken infused with tandoori spices, creamy yogurt, and a splash of fresh lemon. It’s bold and comforting like your favorite BBQ, only Indian-style. Odds are, you’ve already got many of these ingredients in your pantry. Full recipe details are just below!
I first discovered this dish as a child, watching Grandma mix spices by feel, her fingers tinted with turmeric and chili. Her method was intuitive and soulful. I’ve updated it with precise measurements and a trick for insanely juicy skewers but I promise, the spirit of Grandma’s version is still in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers
This recipe is like a flavor-packed ticket straight to India no passport needed. Here’s why these skewers will be your new weeknight favorite:
Simple Prep: A one-bowl marinade needs just 15 minutes of active work. Then let the fridge take over!
Big, Nostalgic Flavors: The warmth of cumin, smokiness of chili, and citrusy kick of coriander deliver a comforting blast of flavor.
Beginner-Friendly: Don’t stress no grill mastery or chef-level slicing required. Thread and go!
Healthy & Balanced: Lean protein, probiotic-rich yogurt, and vibrant spices make this both satisfying and nourishing.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
Each component has a job and together they create something magical:
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well. Breast is leaner, but thighs stay juicier when grilled.
Kashmiri Chili Powder: Adds that signature red hue and gentle warmth without making the dish too spicy.
Garlic, Ginger, and Lemon Juice: This trio adds pungency, brightness, and depth, cutting through the richness.
Yogurt: Essential for tenderizing and flavor it clings to the chicken, keeping it moist and tangy.
Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): Lends citrusy freshness and helps balance the bold spices.
Ingredient
Purpose
Chicken Breast
Base of the dish, lean and protein-rich; can substitute with chicken thighs for juicier texture.
Yogurt
Acts as a marinade base, tenderizing and enriching flavor.
Kashmiri Chili Powder
Gives that mild heat and vibrant red appearance.
Lemon Juice
Adds acidity and balances the creaminess of the yogurt.
Fresh Coriander
Brightens the flavor; adds cooling herbal balance.
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers
This dish comes together in three satisfying steps. Here’s a simple guide:
Prep the Marinade: Blend or finely mince fresh ginger, garlic, and coriander. In a large bowl, mix with yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and spices until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken into even 1.5-inch cubes. Add to the marinade, toss thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
Thread the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing them evenly for even cooking.
Cook to Perfection: Roast at 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined tray, turning halfway. Or grill over medium-high heat until charred and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
Step
Action
Timing
Marinate
Mix ingredients and immerse chicken for flavor infusion.
Take your kebabs beyond the grill with these easy serving ideas and storage hacks:
Serving Suggestions: Pair with fluffy basmati rice, garlic butter naan, cucumber raita, or a fresh tomato-onion kachumber salad. Even a generous drizzle of mint chutney elevates the plate.
Storage: Allow cooked skewers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but may cause dryness.
Storage Option
Method
Duration
Fridge
Store in airtight container after cooling
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Wrap tightly and use freezer-safe bag or container
1–2 months
Expert Insight: Mastering Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers
Authentic Indian tandoori chicken tikka kebab skewers rely on a blend of rich spices and tangy yogurt marinade to tenderize the meat and develop bold, complex flavors. Long marinating times ensure deep infusion of spices, resulting in juicy, smoky kebabs that echo traditional tandoori cooking even without a clay oven (tandoor) at home.
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The Journey to Perfecting Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers
Perfecting these Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers was a delightfully messy process from uneven grills to spice mishaps. But through each smoky batch and spice tweak, the recipe evolved into something truly special. It captures the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen, now with easy repeatability you’ll love.
FAQs ( Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers )
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Conclusion
Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers deliver mouthwatering bites packed with cozy, bold spice all in under an hour of cooking time. The creamy yogurt marinade and oven or grill cooking make this a top-tier dinner you’ll turn to again and again.
Want a richer flavor? Try boneless chicken thighs. Craving smokiness? Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Store leftovers for quick wraps or bowl meals the next day. And for unbeatable flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight just how Grandma would’ve done it.
Give these skewers a try and share your own flavorful twist. Got a memory that bubbled up while cooking? Pass it on because food this comforting deserves to be shared.
Olivia Farnsworth
Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers: Easy and Delicious Recipe
This Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers recipe is perfect for those looking for Easy Dinner Recipes Indian style. Juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful tandoori blend makes this recipe a standout Chicken Starter Recipes option that’s both authentic and simple to prepare at home.
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces suitable for skewering.
Prepare the tandoori marinade by blending ginger, garlic, salt, ground cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, fresh coriander, lemon juice, cooking oil, and yoghurt into a smooth mixture.
Place the chicken pieces into the marinade and coat thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 200°C / 400°F).
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
Place the skewers on the grill or in the oven and cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander before serving.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavors further. You can also serve the kebabs with mint chutney or yogurt sauce. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
