Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Tikka Skewers with Yogurt Marinade

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

Juicy chicken chunks marinated in a vibrant tandoori spice blend and yogurt, grilled until smoky and tender for a classic Punjabi appetizer. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, ginger-garlic 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 2 tbsp tandoori masala, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp mustard oil. Mix until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 600 g boneless chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each chunk.
  4. Step 4: Place skewers on the grill rack or baking sheet, grilling or baking for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 with Yogurt Marinade?

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 with Yogurt Marinade?

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 with Yogurt Marinade 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 with Yogurt Marinade?

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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