Half-Smoked Chicken Tikka
Marinated chicken skewers half-smoked for a smoky flavor, paired with a tangy yogurt sauce for a balanced taste. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 40 minutes pairs cubed chicken breast, yogurt, garam masala for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cubed chicken breast
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp, grated ginger
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2, sliced bell peppers
- 1, sliced onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Add 2 lbs cubed chicken breast and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with 2 sliced bell peppers and 1 sliced onion.
- Step 3: Grill skewers for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is half-cooked and the edges are charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
- Step 4: Divide the skewers into two halves for serving, then drizzle with remaining olive oil and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Smoked Chicken Tikka take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Half-Smoked Chicken Tikka?
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 cubed chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Smoked Chicken Tikka?
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 Half-Smoked Chicken Tikka 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 Half-Smoked Chicken Tikka?
Indian indian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
