Craving something smoky, spicy, and saucy? Tandoori chicken skewers are the ultimate grilled treat! In this post, I’ll guide you through making perfectly seasoned skewers, filled with tender chicken and colorful veggies. You’ll wow your friends and family with these delicious bites. Don’t worry if you’re new to grilling—I’ll share easy steps and tips for perfect results. Ready to dive into this flavorful grilled delight? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cubed
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– 1 red onion, cut into wedges
– 1 bell pepper, cut into squares
Gather these ingredients before you start. Chicken thighs work best for this dish. They stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. You’ll use plain yogurt to make the marinade creamy and tangy. Tandoori masala is the spice that gives this dish its unique flavor. If you can’t find it, you can make your own.
You also need ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to control the heat. Remember to add salt to taste. Fresh cilantro will add a pop of color and flavor as a garnish. The veggies, red onion and bell pepper, add color and taste to the skewers.
Equipment Needed
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
– Grill or oven
– Mixing bowl
You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This will help prevent burning on the grill. You’ll need either a grill or an oven to cook the skewers. A mixing bowl is important for combining the marinade.
Optional Ingredients for Serving
– Naan bread
– Raita (yogurt sauce)
– Lemon wedges
These optional ingredients can elevate your meal. Naan bread is great for wrapping the chicken. Raita adds a cool, creamy touch. Lemon wedges can brighten the flavors. Enjoy your Tandoori Chicken Skewers with these delicious sides!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To make a tasty marinade, you start by mixing yogurt and spices. Combine the following in a bowl:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons tandoori masala
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt to taste
Stir well until everything blends. This mix brings out rich flavors in the chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
Next, add chicken to the marinade. Make sure each piece is covered well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate overnight. This time lets the chicken soak up all the good spices.
Grill Preparation
While the chicken marinates, prepare your skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Now, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for a nice char.
Assembly and Cooking
Now, it’s time to put everything on the skewers. Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers. Alternate pieces of chicken with colorful veggies like red onion and bell pepper. This not only looks great but adds more flavor.
Grill the skewers for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn them often to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be fully cooked with nice grill marks. When done, let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This step adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
For the complete process, check out the full recipe. Enjoy your flavorful grilled delight!
Tips & Tricks
Best Marinating Practices
When making tandoori chicken skewers, marination is key. You can choose between two methods: overnight or quick marination.
– Overnight marination: This is the best choice for deep flavors. It allows the spices to fully soak into the chicken. Ideally, marinate for 8-12 hours in the fridge.
– Quick marination: In a hurry? Marinate for at least 2 hours. While it won’t be as rich, you still get good taste. Just be sure to coat every chicken piece well.
Grilling Techniques
Getting the perfect char on your skewers takes a bit of skill. Here’s how to do it right:
– Preheat your grill: Aim for medium-high heat. This helps to cook the chicken evenly.
– Use soaked wooden skewers: Soaking prevents burning. Keep them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
– Turn the skewers often: This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Look for a nice char and clear juices to know they’re done.
Serving Suggestions
How you serve your tandoori chicken skewers can enhance the meal. Here are some fun ideas:
– Plating: Use a large platter for a beautiful presentation.
– Add color: Include lemon wedges and fresh cilantro. They brighten up the dish.
– Pair with sides: Serve with naan bread or a cool raita for dipping. These add texture and balance to the meal.
Use these tips to make your tandoori chicken skewers flavorful and fun! For the full recipe, check out the details in the recipe section.
Variations
Vegetarian Alternatives
If you want a meat-free option, try using tofu or vegetables. Firm tofu works best. Cut it into cubes and marinate it just like the chicken. You can also use a mix of veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms taste great when grilled. They soak up the marinade well, giving you that tasty flavor. Skewering the tofu or veggies with onions adds a nice touch.
Different Spice Levels
Adjusting the heat in your marinade is easy. For a milder flavor, use less cayenne pepper. You can even skip it if you prefer. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne or some chili powder. This way, you can cater to everyone’s taste. It’s fun to play with the spice levels to find what you love.
Accompaniments
Enhance your meal with tasty sides and sauces. Serve the skewers with naan bread for a nice touch. Raita, a yogurt sauce, cools down the heat and adds creaminess. Lemon wedges brighten up the dish and add freshness. You can also try a side salad for crunch. These accompaniments make your tandoori chicken skewers even more delicious.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
To store leftover tandoori chicken skewers, first let them cool. Place the skewers in an airtight container. You can add a layer of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. When you want to eat them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until hot.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some skewers for later, freezing is a great option. First, remove the chicken from the skewers. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to grill, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Shelf Life
Cooked tandoori chicken skewers can stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. After that, the quality may drop. If you notice any off smells or colors, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your skewers while they are fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece. The meat should be white with no pink inside.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast. It has less fat than thighs. This change may make the chicken a bit drier, so be careful not to overcook it. Marinating longer can help keep it moist.
What is tandoori masala and where can I find it?
Tandoori masala is a spice mix used in Indian cooking. It usually includes cumin, coriander, paprika, and other spices. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online. Many brands sell it ready-made.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, turning halfway.
What can I serve with Tandoori Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair well with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Raita, a yogurt sauce, is a great dip. You can also serve lemon wedges for a fresh kick.
Full Recipe
For the full details on making Tandoori Chicken Skewers, check out the [Full Recipe].
This blog shared a simple recipe for Tandoori Chicken Skewers, highlighting key ingredients and steps. I discussed how to marinate chicken, prepare the grill, and grill the skewers for the best taste. You can adjust spice levels and try vegetarian alternatives for variety.
Cooking and sharing these skewers create fun moments with family and friends. Enjoy trying this recipe and making it your own!
![- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cubed - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat) - Salt to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 1 bell pepper, cut into squares Gather these ingredients before you start. Chicken thighs work best for this dish. They stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. You’ll use plain yogurt to make the marinade creamy and tangy. Tandoori masala is the spice that gives this dish its unique flavor. If you can’t find it, you can make your own. You also need ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne to control the heat. Remember to add salt to taste. Fresh cilantro will add a pop of color and flavor as a garnish. The veggies, red onion and bell pepper, add color and taste to the skewers. - Skewers (wooden or metal) - Grill or oven - Mixing bowl You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This will help prevent burning on the grill. You’ll need either a grill or an oven to cook the skewers. A mixing bowl is important for combining the marinade. - Naan bread - Raita (yogurt sauce) - Lemon wedges These optional ingredients can elevate your meal. Naan bread is great for wrapping the chicken. Raita adds a cool, creamy touch. Lemon wedges can brighten the flavors. Enjoy your Tandoori Chicken Skewers with these delicious sides! To make a tasty marinade, you start by mixing yogurt and spices. Combine the following in a bowl: - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons tandoori masala - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Salt to taste Stir well until everything blends. This mix brings out rich flavors in the chicken. Next, add chicken to the marinade. Make sure each piece is covered well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate overnight. This time lets the chicken soak up all the good spices. While the chicken marinates, prepare your skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the grill. Now, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for a nice char. Now, it’s time to put everything on the skewers. Take the marinated chicken and thread it onto the skewers. Alternate pieces of chicken with colorful veggies like red onion and bell pepper. This not only looks great but adds more flavor. Grill the skewers for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn them often to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be fully cooked with nice grill marks. When done, let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This step adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. For the complete process, check out the full recipe. Enjoy your flavorful grilled delight! When making tandoori chicken skewers, marination is key. You can choose between two methods: overnight or quick marination. - Overnight marination: This is the best choice for deep flavors. It allows the spices to fully soak into the chicken. Ideally, marinate for 8-12 hours in the fridge. - Quick marination: In a hurry? Marinate for at least 2 hours. While it won’t be as rich, you still get good taste. Just be sure to coat every chicken piece well. Getting the perfect char on your skewers takes a bit of skill. Here’s how to do it right: - Preheat your grill: Aim for medium-high heat. This helps to cook the chicken evenly. - Use soaked wooden skewers: Soaking prevents burning. Keep them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. - Turn the skewers often: This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Look for a nice char and clear juices to know they’re done. How you serve your tandoori chicken skewers can enhance the meal. Here are some fun ideas: - Plating: Use a large platter for a beautiful presentation. - Add color: Include lemon wedges and fresh cilantro. They brighten up the dish. - Pair with sides: Serve with naan bread or a cool raita for dipping. These add texture and balance to the meal. Use these tips to make your tandoori chicken skewers flavorful and fun! For the full recipe, check out the details in the recipe section. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free option, try using tofu or vegetables. Firm tofu works best. Cut it into cubes and marinate it just like the chicken. You can also use a mix of veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms taste great when grilled. They soak up the marinade well, giving you that tasty flavor. Skewering the tofu or veggies with onions adds a nice touch. Adjusting the heat in your marinade is easy. For a milder flavor, use less cayenne pepper. You can even skip it if you prefer. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne or some chili powder. This way, you can cater to everyone's taste. It’s fun to play with the spice levels to find what you love. Enhance your meal with tasty sides and sauces. Serve the skewers with naan bread for a nice touch. Raita, a yogurt sauce, cools down the heat and adds creaminess. Lemon wedges brighten up the dish and add freshness. You can also try a side salad for crunch. These accompaniments make your tandoori chicken skewers even more delicious. To store leftover tandoori chicken skewers, first let them cool. Place the skewers in an airtight container. You can add a layer of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. When you want to eat them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until hot. If you want to save some skewers for later, freezing is a great option. First, remove the chicken from the skewers. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to grill, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooked tandoori chicken skewers can stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. After that, the quality may drop. If you notice any off smells or colors, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your skewers while they are fresh for the best taste! To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece. The meat should be white with no pink inside. Yes, you can use chicken breast. It has less fat than thighs. This change may make the chicken a bit drier, so be careful not to overcook it. Marinating longer can help keep it moist. Tandoori masala is a spice mix used in Indian cooking. It usually includes cumin, coriander, paprika, and other spices. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online. Many brands sell it ready-made. Yes, you can bake the skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, turning halfway. These skewers pair well with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad. Raita, a yogurt sauce, is a great dip. You can also serve lemon wedges for a fresh kick. For the full details on making Tandoori Chicken Skewers, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog shared a simple recipe for Tandoori Chicken Skewers, highlighting key ingredients and steps. I discussed how to marinate chicken, prepare the grill, and grill the skewers for the best taste. You can adjust spice levels and try vegetarian alternatives for variety. Cooking and sharing these skewers create fun moments with family and friends. Enjoy trying this recipe and making it your own!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/29e6dbe4-c32d-4289-a3f0-3c9a540c70ab-250x250.webp)