Introduction
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers are one of the most loved dishes in Indian cuisine. They are juicy, flavorful, and full of spices that make your taste buds dance. These skewers are perfect as a starter for parties, a weekend treat for your family, or even as a healthy snack. The best part? You don’t need a tandoor oven to make them at home.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this restaurant-style Tandoori Chicken in your own kitchen. In this guide, we will show you a step-by-step method to make easy Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers, along with the nutritional information, tips, and answers to your common questions.
Ingredients – Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers
Here’s what you will need to make about 4 servings of Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken (cut into small cubes)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of food color (optional, for the classic red color)
For Skewering and Garnishing:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
- Onion slices (optional)
Step by Step Process – Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing and patting dry the chicken cubes. Make sure they are evenly sized so they cook at the same time. This helps the chicken stay juicy and cook evenly on the skewers.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, oil or butter, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper. Add food color if you like the classic red look. Stir everything well until smooth.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix well. Make sure each piece is coated evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill or Oven
If you are using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
Step 5: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers. You can alternate chicken pieces with onion slices if you like. This not only adds flavor but also makes the skewers look colorful and attractive.
Step 6: Cook the Skewers
On the Grill: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning them halfway. Brush a little oil or butter to keep them juicy.
In the Oven: Place the skewers on the prepared tray and bake for 15–20 minutes. Turn the skewers halfway and brush with oil or butter.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with lemon wedges. You can also enjoy them with mint chutney or yogurt dip.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers without yogurt?
Yogurt is important for tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor. If you don’t have yogurt, you can use a mix of lemon juice and cream or buttermilk.
2. Can I use chicken with bones?
Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Boneless chicken cooks faster and is easier to eat as skewers.
3. How long can I store marinated chicken?
You can keep the marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, it may become too sour due to the yogurt.
4. Can I cook these skewers on a stovetop?
Yes! Use a grill pan or non-stick pan on medium heat. Cook each side for about 5–6 minutes.
5. Can I freeze Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers?
Yes, you can freeze the raw marinated chicken for up to 1 month. Cook it directly from frozen in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and healthy dish you can enjoy any time. The combination of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice makes the chicken tender and full of taste. Whether you are making it for a party, a family dinner, or a snack, these skewers are sure to impress everyone.
With this simple recipe, you don’t need a professional tandoor oven or special ingredients. Just follow the steps, marinate your chicken well, and cook it carefully. Serve hot with your favorite chutney, lemon, or salad, and enjoy a restaurant-style meal right at home. Try this recipe today, and you might find yourself making Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers again and again—it’s that delicious!
