Spiced Indian Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Cooling Yogurt Dip
Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of yogurt and traditional tandoori spices, grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends plain yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2, finely grated cucumber
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for dip)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for dip)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (for dip)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1.5 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth. Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch chunks and toss to coat completely. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 2: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the cooling yogurt dip by combining 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water), 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and chill until serving.
- Step 5: Serve the hot tandoori chicken skewers alongside the refreshing cucumber-mint yogurt dip.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Indian Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Cooling Yogurt Dip take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spiced Indian Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Cooling Yogurt Dip?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Indian Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Cooling Yogurt Dip?
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 Spiced Indian Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Cooling Yogurt Dip 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 Spiced Indian Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Cooling Yogurt Dip?
Indian chicken 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.
