Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Oh my goodness, get ready to have your taste buds absolutely DANCE! If there’s one dish that screams “flavor explosion” and “easy weeknight win” all at the same time, it’s these incredible Tandoori Chicken Skewers. Seriously, trust me on this one. I’ve been obsessed with Indian flavors ever since I first tried proper tandoori chicken at a tiny, unassuming restaurant years ago. The smoky, spicy, juicy chicken just blew my mind, and I knew I had to figure out how to bring that magic into my own kitchen.

Grilling is my happy place, especially when the weather’s nice, and adapting those incredible tandoori flavors to skewers was a game-changer. These aren’t just any grilled chicken; they’re marinated in a vibrant, spiced yogurt mixture that tenderizes the chicken and infuses every bite with so much aromatic goodness. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get such restaurant-quality taste right on your own grill. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Honestly, what’s not to love?! These Tandoori Chicken Skewers are a total dream come true for anyone who wants big, bold flavors without a ton of fuss. They’re super easy to prep, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a buzzing backyard barbecue. Plus, they’re:

• Packed with vibrant, aromatic spices.
• Surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners!
• Incredibly versatile – great as an appetizer or a main course.
• Always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion!

The Allure of Tandoori Chicken Skewers

There’s just something magical about tandoori chicken, isn’t there? That incredible aroma of spices hitting the grill, the way the yogurt marinade keeps the chicken unbelievably tender and juicy. Every bite is a little burst of warmth and flavor. It’s definitely a dish that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment!

Essential Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This recipe doesn’t need anything super exotic, but getting the right stuff makes all the difference for amazing Tandoori Chicken Skewers. You’ll want:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into nice, even 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat is my secret for extra tender chicken!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (don’t skimp on fresh!)
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste (you can find this pre-made, or easily blend your own)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (I love smoked paprika here for extra depth!)
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust this to your spice preference, darling!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for brushing the grill)
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, remember to soak them!)

Crafting the Perfect Tandoori Chicken Marinade

The marinade is where all the magic happens, truly! The yogurt tenderizes the chicken beautifully, while the lemon juice brightens everything up. Ginger-garlic paste gives it that essential aromatic base, and all those beautiful spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala build layers of warmth and incredible flavor. It’s a symphony for your taste buds!

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Okay, now for the fun part: actually making these glorious Tandoori Chicken Skewers! Don’t be intimidated; it’s honestly super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through every step. The most important thing here is patience for the marinating – that’s where all the flavor really sinks in. Seriously, don’t rush that part! You’ll start by getting that chicken all coated, then let it chill out in the fridge, and finally, we’ll get it on the grill for some char-y, delicious goodness.

1. Mix up that amazing marinade: Grab a big bowl! You want one that can comfortably hold all your chicken. Toss in the plain yogurt, fresh lemon juice, that wonderful ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika (smoked or regular, your call!), red chili powder (remember, adjust to your heat preference!), garam masala, and a good pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until it’s perfectly smooth and smells absolutely divine.
2. Coat the chicken: Now, add your cubed chicken pieces to that glorious marinade. Get your hands in there and really toss it around! You want every single piece of chicken to be thoroughly coated. No naked chicken bits allowed!
3. Let it marinate: This is crucial! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. You need to let this hang out for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it soaks up, and the more tender your Tandoori Chicken Skewers will be. Trust me on this, it’s worth the wait!
4. Prep your skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, get them soaking in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to grill. This stops them from turning into charcoal sticks on the grill.
5. Preheat the grill: Get your grill going to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get a good char, but not so hot that it burns the outside before the inside cooks.
6. Thread the chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, thread those beautiful pieces onto your prepared skewers. Try not to pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
7. Grill ’em up! Brush your hot grill grates with a little vegetable oil – this helps prevent sticking. Lay your Tandoori Chicken Skewers on the grill and cook for 8-12 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they get cooked through and beautifully charred on all sides. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and serve: Once they’re done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy! Then, dig in!

Preparing Your Tandoori Chicken Skewers for Grilling

Getting ready for the grill is key to success! First things first, if you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This little trick prevents them from catching fire on the hot grill. Next, get your grill preheated to a good medium-high heat. Then, carefully thread your marinated chicken onto the skewers, making sure there’s a tiny bit of space between each piece for even cooking. You want that heat to get all around them!

Grilling Your Delicious Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Okay, grill time! Once your grill is hot, give those grates a quick brush with a little vegetable oil to stop any sticking. Lay your Tandoori Chicken Skewers down and let them cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, turning them every so often. You’re aiming for that gorgeous, slightly charred exterior and perfectly cooked-through chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. That char is where all the flavor lives, so don’t be shy!

Tips for Perfect Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Want to make these Tandoori Chicken Skewers absolutely unforgettable? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, that marinating time? Seriously, don’t cut it short. The longer it sits, the more flavor gets absorbed and the more tender your chicken will be. If you’re a spice fiend like me, feel free to amp up that red chili powder, or if you prefer a milder kick, dial it back. And remember, while grilling gives you that amazing char, you can totally bake these in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if the weather isn’t cooperating. They’ll still be delicious!

Achieving Authentic Flavor with Tandoori Chicken Skewers

To really get that authentic, deep flavor in your Tandoori Chicken Skewers, that long marinade is your best friend. It tenderizes the chicken beautifully and infuses it with all those wonderful spices. If you want a little extra smoky kick, especially if you’re baking them, you can add a tiny drop of liquid smoke to the marinade – just a *drop*, mind you, it’s potent stuff! This really brings out that classic tandoor oven vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tandoori Chicken Skewers

I get a lot of questions about these Tandoori Chicken Skewers, and I love it! It means you’re all as excited about them as I am. Here are some of the most common things people ask me about making these flavorful skewers. Don’t worry if you’re wondering about something, chances are someone else is too! Getting these right is all about a few key steps, and I’m here to help you nail them every single time. Let’s tackle some of those burning questions, shall we?

Can I Bake My Tandoori Chicken Skewers Instead of Grilling?

Absolutely, you totally can! If the weather isn’t cooperating or you just don’t have a grill, no problem. You can bake your Tandoori Chicken Skewers in the oven. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You might not get the exact same char, but they’ll still be super delicious!

How Long Can I Marinate Tandoori Chicken Skewers?

For the best flavor and tenderness, I always recommend marinating your Tandoori Chicken Skewers for at least 4 hours. But honestly, overnight (up to 12-18 hours) is even better! The yogurt and spices really get to work on the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful. I wouldn’t go much longer than 24 hours, though, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken too much, making it a bit mushy. So, plan ahead for maximum deliciousness!

Nutritional Information for Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Okay, for those of you who like to keep an eye on what you’re eating, here’s a little peek at the nutritional side of these Tandoori Chicken Skewers! Per serving (that’s about one skewer), you’re looking at roughly 350 Calories, with 15g of Fat, a whopping 40g of Protein, and around 10g of Carbohydrates. Just remember, these are estimates, and they can totally vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use!

Serve and Share Your Tandoori Chicken Skewers

And there you have it, your absolutely delicious Tandoori Chicken Skewers! Now, the best part: digging in! I love serving these with a fresh mint chutney, some cooling raita, or just a simple, crisp salad. Don’t be shy; share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family. And please, please, please tell me how it went in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your Tandoori Chicken Skewers adventure!

Print