Name: INDIAN TANDOORI CHICKEN TIKKA KEBAB SKEWERS
Prep time: 4 h 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 400g (14 oz) Chicken Breast; 35g (Thumb Sized Piece) Ginger; 3 Cloves Garlic; ½ Tsp Salt; ¼ Tsp Ground Cumin; 1 Tbsp Kashmiri Chili Powder; 1 Tsp Garam Masala; ½ Tsp Turmeric; 15g (⅓-½ Packed Cup) Fresh Coriander; 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice; 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil; 50g (¼ Cup) Yoghurt; Freshly chopped coriander for Garnish

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There’s something magical about the smoky scent of Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers wafting through the kitchenit takes me right back to a cozy little Indian restaurant we discovered on vacation. Remember the one where the chicken practically melted in your mouth? This recipe is gaining traction online for good reason. It’s surprisingly simple for weeknight meals, takes less than an hour from start to finish, and delivers that bold, authentic tandoori flavor we all crave.

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Picture juicy chunks of chicken marinated in cooling yogurt, warming spices, and a splash of lemon juice, then grilled to perfection on skewers. The flavor magic comes from pantry spices like paprika, cumin, coriander, and garlic. It’s like taking your favorite chicken starter recipes and adapting them for your home kitchen. These kebabs evoke memories of summer barbecues, with a deeply flavorful, spicy twist. Detailed recipe and all the tips below!

Over several months, I tested, tasted, and tweaked this spice blend until it hit the perfect notes. The secret ingredient? A small trick passed down by my neighbor’s Indian grandmothera dash of smoked paprika for that subtle depth. No fancy tandoor oven requiredjust use your grill, broiler, or a heavy pan. Once you taste this version, you may never settle for restaurant takeout again.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Kebabs

These Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers always bring back memories of when Julia returned home with vibrant red-orange spices from her trip abroad. The aroma transformed our kitchen into a place of adventure! What truly makes this recipe shine is how the creamy yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the spices infuse a signature tandoori hue and robust Indian flavor found in classic Indian cooking recipes.

The beauty lies in its easeno traditional tandoor oven required. The marinade handles most of the work, transforming chicken breast or thighs into deeply flavored, juicy bites that rival restaurant kababs. Pro tip: The longer the marination, the more pronounced and layered the taste becomes.

Why This Recipe Works	What It Delivers
Yogurt-based marinade	Incredibly tender, juicy chicken
Pantry-friendly spices	Authentic tandoori flavor at home
Make-ahead friendly	Perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile cooking methods	Works on grill, oven, or stovetop

Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools

Let’s break down what makes this marinade so special. Kashmiri chili powder is the unsung heroit imparts rich red color with mild heat. Julia always says that fresh garlic and ginger are non-negotiable. They lay the fragrant groundwork that makes these easy dinner recipes Indian-style stand out.

Ingredients for Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers including chicken, spices, yogurt, lemon, and fresh herbs

Fresh coriander brings brightness and contrast to the warm spices, while the yogurt works double duty as a tenderizer and vehicle for flavor absorption. Don’t skip: The lemon juiceit’s what ties it all together with a lively citrus zing.

Essential tool: Metal skewers or wooden ones soaked in water for 30 minutes
Recommended: Food processor or sharp knife for prepping the paste
Cooking options: Use a grill, oven broiler, or even a sturdy cast-iron skillet

The Magic of Marination

This is where flavor truly developsjust like Julia always reminded me, good food can’t be rushed. A minimum of 4 hours is your best bet, though overnight takes it to a whole new level. During this time, the natural enzymes in the yogurt begin breaking down the proteins while spices soak into every bite.

Start by pureeing fresh ginger, garlic, and coriander into a smooth paste. Combine this with your dry spices (paprika, cumin, turmeric, garam masala), salt, lemon juice, and yogurt. Mix until smooth, then massage the marinade generously onto the chicken piecesevery piece should be well coated and vibrantly colored before hitting the fridge.

Marination Time	Flavor Result	Best For
30 minutes minimum	Light flavor, still tender	Quick weeknight dinner
2–4 hours	Deep flavor, perfect texture	Planned meals (recommended)
Overnight	Restaurant-quality depth	Special occasions

Cooking Your Kebabs to Perfection

The exciting part! Thread the marinated chicken onto your skewers, keeping small spaces between for even cooking. Your goal: beautifully charred edges and juicy-inside perfection. Whether grilling outside or broiling indoors, high heat ensures that savory, caramelized crust.

Cook for about 12–15 minutes total, turning every 3–4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are slightly crisped and there’s a mouthwatering fragrance in the air.

Grill method: Medium-high heat; turn every 3–4 minutes
Oven method: Broil 6 inches from heat, flip mid-way for best color
Pan method: Cast iron over medium-high; add oil to prevent sticking

Quick Cooking Guide

Cooking Method	Temperature	Time	Tips
Outdoor Grill	Medium-high	12–15 minutes	Oil the grates well for non-stick grilling
Oven Broiler	High/broil	12–15 minutes	Use top rack and watch carefully to avoid burning
Cast Iron Pan	Medium-high	15–18 minutes	Add a splash of oil and don’t overcrowd the pan

Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

Let’s smooth out any roadblocks! If your kebabs look perfect outside but remain raw inside, reduce the heat or finish in the oven. Burnt chicken? Move to indirect heat or adjust rack placement.

Dry chicken fix: This usually signals overcooking or too little marination. The yogurt marinade is your best defense against dryness. Uneven cooking? Be sure chicken pieces are uniformabout 1.5-inch cubes work great.

Color too pale? Use a little more Kashmiri chili powder next time
Too mild? Add cayenne or a chopped green chili for extra kick
Chicken sticking? Oil the grill grates and clean well before cooking

Serving and Storage Made Simple

These Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are crowd-pleasers on every level. Serve them over fragrant basmati rice, inside warm naan wraps, or alongside a cooling raita dip for contrast. For parties, go bite-sized and pair with toothpicks and chutney for easy finger food. Consider pairing with grilled veggies or a fennel and cucumber salad for balance.

Storage Tips: Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen overnight, making them even tastier for lunch or dinner the next day. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or gently in the microwave wrapped with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Tips
Refrigerator	3–4 days	Preheat oven to 300°F; reheat for 5–8 minutes or microwave covered

Expert Insight: Mastering Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers

Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are a masterclass in balancing spices and technique. The dynamic between yogurt and citrus tenderizes the meat, while the blend of dry spices and aromatics delivers powerful flavor. That vibrant red-orange hue and smoky finish aren’t just for looksthey’re the result of thoughtful marination, high-heat cooking, and spice chemistry in harmony.

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The Journey to Perfect Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers

Perfecting these Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers took time and experimentation. I still remember the first batch I marinated just 30 minutesnot bad, but missing that depth. After multiple trials, this final version captures the full spirit of the Indian kebabs I grew up eating in restaurantsit boasts smoky richness, balanced heat, and unforgettable juiciness.

FAQs ( Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers )

Finished Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers served on a platter with lemon halves and coriander

Time to Savor Your Perfect Tandoori Creation

These Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers hit every markthe vibrant color, juicy center, and bold, smoky spice. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you’ll transform a regular evening into something memorable. The yogurt marinade is key, yielding flavor-packed, restaurant-quality results right at home.

Feel like experimenting? Try substituting the chicken with paneer or lambboth work wonderfully. These chicken starter recipes are also ideal for meal prep. We love serving them over rice with a side of raita. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; they reheat deliciously in the oven or microwave.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see your take! Share your pictures or let me know your tweaks. Did it remind you of your favorite Indian eatery? Or inspire a deeper dive into Indian cooking recipes? There’s nothing more rewarding than recreating those flavors at home and enjoying them with people you love.

Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers: Easy and Delicious Recipe