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)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
