Name: Chicken Tikka Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491904H46M45S
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts (approx 500g / 17.5 oz), chopped into bite-size chunks; 120 g (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt or thick natural full-fat yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 tbsp minced ginger; Juice of half a lemon; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp mild chilli powder; Pinch of cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing onto the chicken before grilling); 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (for garnish)

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Introduction

Chicken Tikka is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chunks of chicken marinated in a spiced yogurt blend and grilled to perfection. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

The image shows several metal skewers with grilled chicken pieces stacked close together. Each skewer holds about five to six chunks of chicken, which are golden yellow with charred dark brown grill marks, giving a slightly crispy texture. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the chicken, adding a fresh contrast. The skewers rest on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background that highlights the rich colors of the grilled meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts (approx 500g/17.5 oz), chopped into bite-size chunks
120 g (1/2 cup) Greek yogurt or thick natural full-fat yogurt
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tbsp minced ginger
Juice of half a lemon
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp mild chilli powder
Pinch of cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing onto the chicken before grilling)
2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken breast pieces into a bowl or freezer bag with the yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate to marinate for 2-3 hours.
Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the chicken marinates to prevent burning during cooking.
Step 4: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and thread the pieces onto the skewers.
Step 5: Brush the chicken with vegetable oil, then cook on a griddle plate, turning occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked. Alternatively, grill under a broiler or barbecue for the same time.
Step 6: Check doneness by slicing a larger piece of chicken; it should have no pink in the center.
Step 7: Serve the chicken tikka sprinkled with freshly chopped coriander for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, cook the chicken tikka over charcoal or add a small piece of charcoal heated until red-hot to a covered pot for a few minutes (“dhungar” technique).
Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat with more flavor.
Add a dash of garam masala to the marinade for a deeper, aromatic taste.
Serve with naan, rice, or a cooling cucumber raita to balance the spices.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on a stovetop to avoid drying out the meat. The marinade works best fresh, so avoid storing raw marinated chicken for longer than the recommended 3 hours before cooking.

How to Serve

The image shows several skewers of grilled chicken pieces stacked together on a black slate board, each skewer holding about five to six golden-brown grilled chicken chunks with visible grill marks and sprinkled green herbs on top. To the upper right, there is a white plate with a stack of round, slightly browned flatbreads. On the left side, there is a glass jar filled with bright pink pickled onions with a metal spoon inside, and a small white bowl with a creamy white sauce garnished with chopped green herbs. Fresh green cilantro leaves are placed around the skewers, and the whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when grilled. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may require a couple of extra minutes to cook through.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent them from burning and allows you to handle the skewers safely on the grill.