Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cooling Cucumber Raita
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in fragrant tandoori spices and yogurt, paired with a refreshing cucumber raita to balance the heat. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs Greek yogurt, tandoori masala powder, fresh lemon juice 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
- 1 lb boneless, skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 small, grated and squeezed dry cucumber
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cold plain yogurt
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber raita by mixing 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1 small grated cucumber (squeezed dry), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves, 1/2 tsp cumin powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Chill until serving.
- Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto 6 soaked wooden skewers.
- Step 5: Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has slight char marks, turning carefully.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the skewers hot with the chilled cucumber raita on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cooling Cucumber Raita 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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cooling Cucumber Raita?
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 greek yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cooling Cucumber Raita?
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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cooling Cucumber Raita 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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cooling Cucumber Raita?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
