These grilled chicken tikka skewers are a culinary delight, combining tender chunks of chicken with a flavorful marinade. Charred to perfection on the grill, each bite bursts with the essence of aromatic spices and succulent meat. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a tantalizing appetizer, these skewers are sure to impress with their simplicity and irresistible taste.
Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers
This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through making tender and flavorful grilled chicken tikka skewers, perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Grill or oven
- Skewers (metal or bamboo)
- Blender or Mortar and Pestle
- Mixing Bowl
- basting brush Optional
- Plastic Wrap or Lid for Marinating
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka
- 4 Chicken Thighs cut into at least 32 cubes or more
- 2 Red onions large cubes
- 4 Tomatoes large cubes
- 2 Green bell peppers or Capsicum cut into large cubes
- 4 tbsp Oil for basting/brushing optional
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup Water add more if needed
- 2 tbsp Coriander seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 8 Garlic cloves
- 1 inch Ginger
- 2 to 4 Green chilies small (adjust according to spice preference)
- 2 to 4 tbsp Sour cream or Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice optional
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
- In a blender or mortar and pestle, grind together coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic cloves, ginger, green chilies, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice (if using), and salt to form a smooth paste.
- Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl and add sour cream or yogurt. Mix well to combine.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken thigh cubes in a large bowl.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and mix until all the chicken pieces are well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Assemble the Skewers
- Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers alternately with cubes of red onion, tomato, and green bell pepper.
Grill or Bake the Chicken Tikka
- Brush the grill grates or baking tray with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill or baking tray and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- Optionally, brush the chicken tikka with oil while cooking to keep it moist.
Serve Hot
- Once the chicken tikka is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments such as naan bread, rice, or salad.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your spice preference.
- For a creamier marinade, use sour cream instead of yogurt.
- Kashmiri red chili powder gives a vibrant color without too much heat, but you can use regular chili powder if unavailable.
- Marinating the chicken for a longer time enhances the flavor, but if you're short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat for best results.
- Keep an eye on the chicken tikka while grilling or baking to prevent overcooking and drying out.
- Serve the chicken tikka hot with fresh lemon wedges and mint yogurt sauce for a delightful meal experience.
- For a creamier marinade, use sour cream instead of yogurt.
- Kashmiri red chili powder gives a vibrant color without too much heat, but you can use regular chili powder if unavailable.
- Marinating the chicken for a longer time enhances the flavor, but if you're short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat for best results.
- Keep an eye on the chicken tikka while grilling or baking to prevent overcooking and drying out.
- Serve the chicken tikka hot with fresh lemon wedges and mint yogurt sauce for a delightful meal experience.
Nutrition
Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 371mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1085IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg
