Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers are one of those dishes that deliver big flavor with just a little bit of effort. The chicken is marinated in a mix of yogurt, lemon, garlic, ginger, and bold Indian spices, then grilled until it’s smoky and lightly charred on the edges. It’s juicy, spicy, and packed with that signature tandoori color and aroma we all love.
If you’ve ever ordered chicken tikka at a restaurant and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,” this recipe is your answer. You don’t need a tandoor oven your grill or stovetop grill pan works just fine. Serve it up with naan, rice, or a cool cucumber raita, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal.
What Makes Chicken Tikka So Good?
The secret lies in the marinade. Plain yogurt tenderizes the chicken while holding onto the spices, and fresh lemon juice adds a bright note. Garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala work together to create a deep, warm flavor. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more intense the flavor becomes.
When the skewers hit the grill, that marinade creates a beautiful crust on the outside while the inside stays juicy and tender. It’s everything you want in grilled chicken: flavorful, colorful, and slightly smoky.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the marinade:
- Plain yogurt
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic and ginger (freshly minced or grated)
- Garam masala
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Ground cumin
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt
For the skewers:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- A touch of oil for grilling
Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers: Bursting with Flavor and Perfect for Grilling
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled to perfection. These Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers are easy to make at home and perfect for cookouts, dinner parties, or a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
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1/2 cup plain yogurt
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 teaspoon garam masala
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon turmeric
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon oil (for brushing the grill or pan)
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Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all spices until smooth.
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Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours.
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If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
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Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
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Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush with oil.
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Grill skewers for 4–5 minutes on each side, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
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Serve hot with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Serving Size: About 2 skewers
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 85mg
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Indian
How to Make Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a spacious bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all the spices. Mix everything together until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure it’s well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Thread and grill
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high, lightly brush it with oil, and cook the skewers for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 4: Serve
Serve hot with lemon wedges, chopped cilantro, and your favorite sides like rice, naan, or a simple salad.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with mint chutney or cucumber raita
- Add to a wrap with lettuce and yogurt sauce
- Serve over basmati rice with grilled veggies
- Make it part of an Indian-themed dinner night
Final Thoughts
These Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers are perfect for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and simple grilling. They’re easy enough for a busy evening yet still make a great dish for entertaining. After one taste, they may quickly become a regular favorite in your meals.
