If you’ve ever wanted to bring the irresistible flavors of Indian street food into your kitchen, this Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken chunks are marinated in a luscious blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection with a beautiful char. It’s a vibrant dish bursting with a perfect balance of tang, warmth, and a little heat that will have you coming back for more. Whether for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends, these kebabs deliver a flavorful punch that feels both authentic and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is key to nailing the true taste of this dish. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy yogurt tenderizing the chicken to the aromatic spices giving it that signature Indian flair.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1½ lbs): Thighs keep it juicy and tender; breasts are leaner but work well too.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Acts as the marinade base, ensuring soft, flavorful chicken.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
- Ginger-garlic paste (1 tablespoon): Essential for that fresh, pungent aromatic foundation.
- Ground cumin (1½ teaspoons): Brings an earthy, warm depth to the marinade.
- Ground coriander (1½ teaspoons): Adds a subtle citrusy accent with a layered complexity.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a lovely color and mild smoky undertone.
- Garam masala (1 teaspoon): A fragrant spice mix that adds signature Indian flavor notes.
- Turmeric (½ teaspoon): Bright yellow color and gentle earthiness.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Adjustable to taste for just the right kick of heat.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors to sing in harmony.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps coat the chicken and keeps it moist during grilling.
- Skewers (wooden soaked in water or metal): For threading the chicken and optionally veggies for grilling.
- Optional sliced onions, bell peppers, and lemon wedges: Perfect for adding extra taste and a colorful presentation.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all those amazing spices you gathered—cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and vegetable oil—until smooth and well combined. This mixture is what will transform your chicken pieces into deeply flavorful morsels, so take your time to mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Toss your chicken chunks into the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This is where patience pays off—cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, though letting it sit overnight truly allows the spices to seep into every bite, ensuring that tender, juicy outcome everyone loves.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill or broiler fired up to medium-high heat. This key step ensures you achieve that signature smoky char on the chicken, sealing in juices while giving you those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers. For extra flavor and a pop of color, alternate the chicken with slices of onion and bell pepper. This simple addition amps up both taste and visual appeal.
Step 5: Grill the Kebabs
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so all sides get perfectly charred and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly smoky and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
How to Serve Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the entire eating experience. Lemon wedges are a must to squeeze over the kebabs for a burst of tang, while a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a cool mint chutney will add freshness and balance to all those warm spices.
Side Dishes
Pairing these kebabs with soft naan bread, a simple cucumber raita, or even steamed basmati rice creates a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and bright. For a lighter option, a crisp salad with tomatoes, onions, and a dash of chaat masala works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond skewers! Try laying the grilled chicken tikka on a bed of mixed greens for a vibrant salad or stuff it into warm flatbreads with fresh veggies for an easy wrap. Serving with colorful chutneys on the side not only looks inviting but adds layers of flavor for your guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked kebabs on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture well for up to two months, letting you enjoy your Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the kebabs in an oven or on a grill to avoid drying out the chicken. A quick broil or grill helps revive that smokiness and crispness, making it almost as good as freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and still delicious, but they may dry out a bit faster than thighs, so watch the cooking time closely to keep them juicy.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, ensuring safe and easy handling.
How spicy is this Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe?
The chili powder adds a gentle heat that’s easily adjustable. Feel free to reduce or ramp up the amount depending on your preferred spice level.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Certainly! You can bake the kebabs in an oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes and then broil for a couple of minutes to get that lovely charred finish.
What’s the key to tender and flavorful chicken tikka kebabs?
Marinating the chicken in the spiced yogurt mixture for at least two hours, ideally overnight, is crucial. This breaks down the proteins, tenderizes the meat, and infuses deep flavor throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe is a beautiful celebration of bold flavors and simple techniques that can instantly transport your taste buds to the heart of Indian cuisine. Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again, whether for a cozy night in or a lively gathering. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and dive into this deliciously spiced adventure!
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Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes active, up to 8 hours total including marinating
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a flavorful Indian grilled chicken dish made by marinating tender boneless chicken pieces in a rich blend of yogurt and spices, then skewering and grilling them to perfection. Juicy and lightly charred, these kebabs are perfect for a main course served with lemon wedges and mint chutney or naan.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Skewers (wooden soaked in water or metal)
Optional for Serving
- sliced onions
- bell peppers
- lemon wedges
- mint chutney or naan
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and vegetable oil until you achieve a smooth, uniform marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though marinating overnight is best to deepen the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill or Broiler: Set your grill or broiler to medium-high heat to get ready for cooking the kebabs.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers. Optionally, alternate chicken pieces with chunks of sliced onions or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a slightly charred exterior. The chicken should be fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Serve: Remove the kebabs from the grill and serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges and your choice of mint chutney or naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you do not have a grill, you can bake the kebabs in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a charred effect.
- Using chicken thighs will result in juicier kebabs, while using chicken breasts makes a leaner option.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
- Adjust chili powder quantity as per your spice tolerance.
- Serve with mint chutney or a simple yogurt raita for complementary flavors.
