Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce
Juicy chicken marinated in vibrant tandoori spices, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling mint yogurt sauce. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, tandoori masala 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 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp tandoori masala
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves
- 1 small green chili
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (for sauce)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp tandoori masala, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the mint yogurt sauce by blending 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, 1 small green chili (seeded for less heat), 1/2 tsp cumin powder, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a food processor until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until the edges are slightly charred and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Serve the hot tandoori chicken skewers with the chilled mint yogurt sauce for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?
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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Mint Yogurt Sauce?
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 Mint Yogurt Sauce 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 Mint Yogurt Sauce?
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.