Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love those vibrant, smoky flavors of Indian street food at home, this Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers recipe is definitely one to try. It’s that perfect combination of juicy chicken marinated in a fragrant, spiced yogurt blend and then grilled to perfection. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend BBQ or just craving some flavorful protein on a weeknight.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of spices brought by Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, and turmeric, which give the chicken a signature deep color and that irresistible aroma. Plus, the marinade is straightforward and comes together quickly, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality kebabs at home without fuss. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers recipe, it will become a staple in your cooking rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients will really set you up for success with this Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers recipe. It’s all about fresh spices and making a marinade that locks in flavor and tenderness.

• Chicken Breast: Opt for skinless and boneless for quick, even cooking and easy skewering.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger is a must — it adds a lovely zing and warmth that dried just can’t match.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves crushed in the marinade boost that classic tandoori aroma.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all those vibrant spices.
• Ground Cumin: Adds an earthy hint, grounding the chili’s heat beautifully.
• Kashmiri Chili Powder: This chili is mild but gives that signature red color and smokiness.
• Garam Masala: A warming, complex spice blend that defines Indian cooking.
• Turmeric: Gives a beautiful golden hue and subtle depth.
• Fresh Coriander: Adds brightness and freshness — both in the marinade and for garnishing.
• Lemon Juice: The acid helps tenderize while adding a zesty kick.
• Cooking Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices adhere.
• Yoghurt: The secret weapon — tenderizes the chicken and creates that creamy marinade base.

Variations

I love putting my own twist on this Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers recipe sometimes, and you can easily make these kebabs your own too. Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice level or switch up the protein for variety.

• Variation: For a spicier kick, I add an extra pinch of red chili powder — it wakes up the flavors beautifully without overpowering the chicken.
• Variation: I’ve swapped chicken breast for thighs when I want juicier kebabs; thighs hold onto moisture wonderfully and have even more flavor.
• Variation: Going dairy-free? Use a coconut yogurt or a little lemon juice and oil combo instead to keep things tender and tangy.
• Variation: For a smoky flavor indoors, I sometimes add a bit of smoked paprika or finish under the broiler for a few minutes— gives that charred effect when you can’t use a grill.

How to Make Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade

The first step is all about blending those powerful flavors. Grab your ginger and garlic, and finely grate or crush them to release their oils. Then mix with salt, cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, chopped fresh coriander, lemon juice, cooking oil, and yogurt. I like to make sure everything is well combined into a smooth marinade before tossing in the chicken so each bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut your chicken breast into even bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 1.5 inches work great for skewers. Then, coat the pieces thoroughly in your marinade. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal if you have time. I’ve found that the longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it gets, so this step is worth planning ahead for your best results.

Step 3: Threading and Cooking the Skewers

Once marinated, skewer the chicken pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to flip. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning regularly until the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely charred bits. If grilling isn’t an option, you can broil them in the oven or cook on a hot grill pan—just keep a close eye to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped coriander over the finished skewers — it adds that burst of green freshness. A squeeze of lemon on top right before eating brightens everything up and cuts through the smoky richness perfectly. If you like a little heat, a drizzle of mint chutney or a side of raita is fantastic too.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to accompany these kebabs include fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, and a simple cucumber salad for crunch. You can also serve this with roasted veggies or lentil dal for a wholesome Indian-inspired meal. These balancing sides allow the spices of the kebabs to really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these kebabs on a wooden board lined with banana leaves or parchment paper, surrounded by colorful bowls of chutneys, sliced onions, and lemon wedges—it makes for a festive look that’s perfect for sharing. You can also thread the chicken with peppers and onions for a colorful kebab skewer presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them juicy, I add a tiny splash of water or lemon juice before reheating. Chicken can dry out quickly, so handling with care is key.

Freezing

If I want to prep in bulk, I freeze the marinated uncooked chicken pieces in individual portions. This way, I can thaw and grill as needed without losing flavor or texture. Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags and squeeze out excess air for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the kebabs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped loosely in foil for about 10 minutes, which keeps them tender. Alternatively, a quick toss on a hot pan or under the broiler for a minute or two refreshes the charred edges without drying everything out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so versatile and reliably delicious. The combination of spices, yogurt, and fresh lemon creates something magical that’s both comforting and exciting. I really hope you try it out at home—you’ll love serving up these colorful, flavorful skewers whether it’s a casual dinner or a barbecue gathering. Once you make it your own with the variations we talked about, it’ll feel like your very own signature dish!

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