Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers (25-27 Minutes)

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Succulent pieces of marinated chicken are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with bold spices and irresistible aromas. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and taste, allowing you to enjoy the tantalizing experience of traditional Indian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
  5. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char.
  6. During the last few minutes of grilling, squeeze the lemon juice over the skewers for an extra burst of flavor.
  7. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
  8. Garnish the chicken tikka skewers with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For the most flavor-packed results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes or longer. Overnight marination can make the flavors even more intense. Don’t forget to soak the wooden skewers in water before grilling. This will prevent them from burning on the grill. Serve these succulent chicken tikka skewers with cooling mint yogurt sauce, warm naan bread, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. Enjoy!

Chef’s tip: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a touch of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chaat masala over the skewers before serving.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250 calories
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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