Tandoori-Style Chicken Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Marinade
Juicy chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled until charred at the edges with a bright citrus finish. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends bone-in and skinless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice 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 285 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
- 1.5 lbs, bone-in and skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Step 2: Cut chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces and place in a shallow dish. Pour yogurt marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).
- Step 3: Thread chicken pieces onto metal skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Step 4: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with vegetable oil. Add skewers and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 5: Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tandoori-Style Chicken Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tandoori-Style Chicken Skewers with Lemon-Yogurt Marinade?
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-Style Chicken Skewers with Lemon-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-Style Chicken Skewers with Lemon-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-Style Chicken Skewers with Lemon-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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The tandoori flavor is spot on without the need for a tandoor oven. Easy and impressive.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious! The chicken turned out juicy and flavorful. I'll be making this every week now.
- ★★★★★
This marinade is perfect! My family loved the tangy lemon and yogurt combo. Made it for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
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