Description
This Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab recipe features tender chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of traditional spices, yogurt, and fresh herbs. The marinated chicken is skewered and grilled to perfection, delivering smoky, spicy, and juicy kebabs perfect for a delicious appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 400g (14 oz) Chicken Breast
Tandoori Marinade
- 35g (Thumb Sized Piece) Ginger, peeled and chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 15g (⅓–½ Packed Cup) Fresh Coriander, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
- 50g (¼ Cup) Yoghurt, thick and plain
- Freshly chopped coriander for Garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine ginger, garlic, salt, ground cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, fresh coriander, lemon juice, cooking oil, and yogurt. Blend until you achieve a smooth and well-mixed marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Transfer the chicken pieces into a bowl and coat them thoroughly with the prepared marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to deeply infuse.
- Skewer the Chicken: Pre-soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, leaving some space between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) with the grill setting on.
- Cook the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill or a baking tray lined with foil in the oven. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and slight charring on the edges. The chicken should be cooked through and slightly charred outside.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the kebabs from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and serve hot with lemon wedges, mint chutney, or naan bread as desired.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, cook the skewers over a charcoal grill.
- Kashmiri chili powder adds vibrant color without excessive heat; adjust according to spice preference.
- Using thick yogurt helps create a rich, creamy marinade that tenderizes the chicken.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Skewers can be cooked in an oven broiler if a grill is unavailable.
Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Indian Kebabs, Grilled Chicken Skewers, Indian Appetizer, Spicy Chicken, Yogurt Marinade