Description
These Tandoori Chicken Skewers are bursting with vibrant Indian flavors, perfect for grilling or baking. Enjoy tender, spicy chicken with that signature tandoori taste right in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Full-fat Greek yogurt
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Tandoori masala powder
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground turmeric
- Red chili powder (Kashmiri for color, cayenne for heat)
- Lemon juice
- Neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
- Optional food coloring (red or orange)
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Cubes of firm paneer or extra-firm tofu (for vegetarian option)
- Beef cubes (like sirloin or tenderloin, for alternative meat)
Instructions
- Pat chicken cubes very dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere.
- In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, lemon juice, oil, and any optional food coloring or kasuri methi. Mix well.
- Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally 6-8 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- While marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat cooking method: For grilling, preheat to medium-high (400-450°F / 200-230°C) and lightly oil grates. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with foil/parchment, and place an oven-safe wire rack on top; lightly grease the rack.
- Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
- For grilling, place Tandoori Chicken Skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until charred in spots and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). For oven baking, arrange Tandoori Chicken Skewers on the prepared wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For char, finish under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely.
- Let Tandoori Chicken Skewers rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: The longer the chicken marinates (up to overnight), the more flavorful and tender your skewers will be. Ensure even-sized pieces for consistent cooking and avoid overcrowding on skewers.