Spiced Rajpura Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a blend of yogurt and aromatic spices inspired by the rich flavors of Rajpura. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, ginger paste 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes and place them in a medium bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and mix thoroughly to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 4: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each.
- Step 5: Brush the grill or pan with 2 tbsp vegetable oil and grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Rajpura Tandoori Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Spiced Rajpura Tandoori Chicken Skewers?
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 Spiced Rajpura Tandoori Chicken Skewers?
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 Rajpura Tandoori Chicken Skewers 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 Rajpura Tandoori Chicken Skewers?
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.