Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Tikka Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken chunks marinated in a yogurt and tandoori spice blend, grilled to smoky perfection on skewers. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 30 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to create a smooth marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for deep flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps for even cooking.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until charred at edges and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Tikka Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Tikka 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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Tikka 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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Tikka 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 Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Tikka 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.

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