Fire up your grill and savor the flavors of Tandoori Chicken Skewers! This easy recipe features tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and bursting with vibrant spices. With just a handful of ingredients like yogurt and tandoori masala, you can create a deliciously smoky dish that's perfect for summer gatherings. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with these mouthwatering skewers!
1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
2 tablespoons tandoori masala spice blend
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (can be homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika (for color and a mild kick)
½ teaspoon turmeric powder (for color and flavor)
Salt, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
![- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks - 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular) - 2 tablespoons tandoori masala spice blend - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (can be homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and a mild kick) - ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (for color and flavor) - Salt, to taste - Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning) - Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for serving Tandoori masala is the star of this recipe. It’s a mix of spices. This blend typically includes coriander, cumin, and chili powder. Each spice adds its unique flavor and aroma. The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken. It also adds creaminess and tang. The lemon juice brings bright notes, while ginger and garlic give depth. Together, they create a rich, flavorful marinade that makes the chicken juicy and tasty. You can add more flavor to your tandoori chicken. Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use curry powder for a different twist. For a smoky taste, add a few drops of liquid smoke. If you want a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. These can soak up the marinade well. Each variation gives you a new way to enjoy this dish. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To make the marinade, start by gathering your ingredients. You need plain yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, vegetable oil, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric powder, and salt. In a large bowl, combine these ingredients. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. This marinade is key for flavor, so make sure it’s well mixed. Marinating the chicken is essential. It lets the flavors soak in deeply. Place the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a spoon to coat each piece well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let it marinate overnight. You can grill or bake the chicken skewers. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If baking, set your oven to the same temperature. Once marinated, thread the chicken onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the skewers for 15-20 minutes. Turn them often for an even char. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. To get true tandoori taste, use fresh spices. Look for tandoori masala at your local store. If you can't find it, mix equal parts of cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This mix gives your chicken depth. Marinating the chicken in yogurt brings moisture and tenderness. It also helps the spices stick better. For an extra kick, add chili powder to the marinade. This adds heat and flavor. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This stops them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers work well too and don't need soaking. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the skewer. If you want juicy chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make Tandoori Chicken Skewers vegetarian by using vegetables or paneer. Firm vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work great. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Marinate them just like the chicken. Paneer, a soft cheese, is also a fantastic choice. It soaks up the marinade well, giving it a rich flavor. Just remember, the cooking time may vary based on what you choose. To change the flavor, you can switch up the marinade. Try adding different spices like garam masala or coriander. You can even use a spicy chili powder for heat. If you prefer a tangy twist, add some mango puree or tamarind paste. Each change gives a new taste and keeps things exciting. You don’t have to grill the skewers. You can also use an air fryer or broiler. If you use an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. For the broiler, place the skewers in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes. Both methods yield juicy and flavorful skewers. Just make sure to check the chicken is cooked through. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Store leftover Tandoori Chicken Skewers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To avoid drying out, add a bit of extra yogurt or lemon juice on top. Label the container with the date so you know when to eat them. You can freeze both marinated chicken and cooked skewers. For marinated chicken, place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air and seal it tightly. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For cooked skewers, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them carefully in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in a freezer bag as well. To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep the flavor. Instead, use an oven or grill. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. If using a grill, warm it to medium heat. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes, turning often. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tasty. You can pair Tandoori Chicken Skewers with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Naan or Roti: Soft, warm bread is great for scooping up chicken. - Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice adds a nice touch. - Cucumber Salad: A fresh salad cools the spices. - Mint Chutney: This sauce adds a refreshing kick. - Yogurt Raita: Creamy yogurt balances the heat. - Grilled Veggies: Add some grilled peppers or onions for color and flavor. For drinks, try mango lassi or chai tea. These drinks complement the spices well. Yes, you can prepare Tandoori Chicken Skewers in advance. Here are some tips: - Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. This extra time boosts flavor. - Skewer the Chicken: You can thread the chicken onto skewers the night before. Just cover and keep in the fridge. - Cook When Ready: Grill or bake the skewers just before serving. This ensures they stay juicy and fresh. Planning helps save time. It lets you enjoy your meal without stress. Sometimes, you might face a few problems when making Tandoori Chicken Skewers. Here are common issues and how to fix them: - Chicken Not Tender: This could be due to not marinating long enough. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. - Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking. Check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F (75°C). - Skewers Burning: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water first. This keeps them from catching fire. - Flavor Lacking: Ensure you use enough marinade. Coat each piece of chicken well for the best taste. These tips help you make perfect Tandoori Chicken Skewers every time. For the full recipe, check the earlier section in this article. Tandoori chicken skewers offer great flavor with simple steps. We explored key ingredients like chicken, yogurt, and spices, plus the importance of marinating. Cooking methods, like grilling and baking, showed how to achieve the best results. We discussed tips for authentic taste, storage, and even veggie options. With this knowledge, you can enjoy delicious homemade skewers. Whether you grill, bake, or try these flavors with veggies, the choice is yours! Dive in, get creative, and savor the taste of Tandoori chicken skewers at your next meal.](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/beb6301d-b091-4525-9ed1-8f22a1ce1972-250x250.webp)