Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers | Easy Dinner

Hot off the grill or fresh from your oven, these Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are smoky, spicy, and juicy. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender while the spices add bold flavor. You can grill, bake, air fry, or BBQ it all works beautifully.

Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers (Quick Overview)

What are Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers?

“Tikka” means small pieces of meat, and “tandoori” comes from the clay oven used to cook them. Here, we use a simple yogurt and spice marinade to get that same flavor at home. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a quick dinner.

Key reasons you’ll love this recipe

It cooks fast, uses simple ingredients, and fits any cooking style. You can grill, bake, or air fry it easily. It’s high in protein, full of flavor, and great for meal prep or a family dinner.

At-a-glance recipe snapshot

Prep time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cook time: 15 mins
Total time: 4 hrs 25 mins
Serves: 2
Skill level: Easy

Ingredients for the Best Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers

Main ingredients you’ll need

• Chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• Plain yogurt (for tenderness)
• Ginger and garlic (for deep flavor)
• Lemon juice (for freshness)
• Fresh coriander (for brightness)
• Kashmiri chili powder (for mild heat and red color)
• Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt (for aroma and balance)
• Cooking oil (to help everything blend)

Optional extras and garnish

Add chopped fresh coriander, lemon wedges, or a small drizzle of ghee before serving.

Ingredient Swaps, Variations, and Spice Level

Protein swaps

You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs, lamb, paneer, or even salmon. Thighs are juicier; fish cooks faster.

Adjusting the heat and spice profile

Add more chili for extra heat or reduce it for a mild version. You can also add a chopped green chili for a spicier kick.

Dairy-free and yogurt alternatives

Use lactose-free or coconut yogurt if you want to avoid dairy. Just keep the marinade thick enough to stick to the chicken.

Essential Equipment and Tools

Core tools you’ll use

You’ll need a knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, skewers, and tongs.

Cooking gear options

Grill, oven, BBQ, or air fryer — all work. Choose what’s easiest for you.

Nice-to-have extras for perfect results

A food thermometer helps check if the chicken is cooked. A kitchen torch gives that smoky charred look at the end.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers

Step 1 – Prep the chicken and aromatics

Cut the chicken into small cubes. Chop the coriander, mash garlic with salt, and grate the ginger.

Step 2 – Mix the marinade

In a bowl, mix yogurt, oil, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, coriander, and all the spices until smooth.

Step 3 – Marinate the chicken

Add the chicken to the bowl, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (up to 24 hours for best flavor).

Step 4 – Soak and prep the skewers

Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes in water so they don’t burn. Then thread the chicken pieces, leaving a small gap between each one.

Cooking Methods for Perfectly Juicy Kebab Skewers

Grill

Preheat to high heat. Cook for 15–18 minutes, turning 3–4 times. Check that the chicken reaches 73°C (165°F).

Air fryer

Spray the basket with oil. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway.

Oven

Bake at 220°C (450°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan for 15–20 minutes on a wire rack over a tray.

BBQ

Sear over direct heat for 1–2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches 73°C (165°F).

Pro Tips for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken Tikka

Getting the marinade right

Use a balance of yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and spices. The mix should be creamy and thick enough to stick.

Marinating time

4 hours is good, but overnight gives the best texture and taste.

For charred edges

Use high heat at the end or lightly torch the chicken for that smoky edge.

Doneness, Food Safety, and Serving Temperature

Safe internal temperature

Always cook until 73°C (165°F) inside.

Visual cues

The chicken should be firm, juicy, and slightly browned around the edges.

Calories, Protein, and Macros per Serving

Per-serving breakdown

444 calories, 68g protein, 9g fat, 20g carbs, 4g fiber, 9g sugar.

How this fits into your meal

A high-protein, balanced dinner. Add rice or salad to complete your plate.

What to Serve with Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers

Classic Indian-style sides

Serve with chapatis, kachumber salad, or mint raita. Add lemon wedges and fresh coriander.

Turning kebabs into a bigger meal

Serve with rice, wrap in naan, or turn it into a biryani-style dish.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Best ways to plan ahead

Marinate the chicken the night before so it’s ready to cook the next day.

How to store leftovers

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture may get a bit firmer.

Reheating tips

Reheat gently in a pan or oven. Avoid microwaving for too long or it’ll dry out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chicken dry or tough?

It was likely overcooked or under-marinated. Use enough yogurt and oil next time.

Burnt outside, raw inside?

Lower the heat and cook a bit longer, or move to indirect heat.

Marinade too thick or thin?

Add yogurt to loosen or a little more spice or oil to thicken.

More Such Recipes

• sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken
• skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo
• garlic parmesan chicken dinner
• creamy chicken pesto pasta
• oven baked chicken thighs
• country fried chicken recipe
• lemon pepper chicken

Final Thoughts

These Indian Tandoori Chicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are easy, flavorful, and always a hit. They’re perfect for dinner, BBQs, or quick meal prep. Try them with your favorite sides or switch up the protein for something new next time.

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