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Flavorful Tandoori Chicken Tikka Skewers Easy Homemade Yogurt Marinade Recipe

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These tandoori chicken tikka skewers feature a tangy yogurt marinade infused with aromatic spices, delivering tender, juicy, and smoky grilled chicken perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup (240g) plain full-fat yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or mustard oil
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Onion rings or wedges (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and oil. Whisk until smooth and well-blended (about 5 minutes).
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the yogurt mixture, stirring well so each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving space between chunks for even cooking.
  4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
  5. Grill the skewers: Place skewers on the grill or pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, turning carefully to char evenly. Watch for flare-ups if using an open flame.
  6. Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into a piece to check that juices run clear and there is no pinkness.
  7. Rest and garnish: Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve with lemon wedges and onion rings.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for best flavor. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning. Watch for flare-ups on open flame grills. Rest chicken after grilling to retain juices. Can be cooked indoors using a grill pan or broiler.

Nutrition

Keywords: tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, yogurt marinade, grilled chicken, Indian spices, easy dinner, barbecue skewers

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/flavorful-tandoori-chicken-tikka-skewers-easy-homemade-yogurt-marinade-recipe/