Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. A flavorful street food classic perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. This indian-inspired street food ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch chunks. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well until smooth and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to absorb the spices.
  3. Step 3: Soak 8-10 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning until the edges are charred and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot with a side of fresh cilantro chutney or lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Marinade?

Indian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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