Chicken Tikka Skewers Recipe
This Chicken Tikka recipe features tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a flavorful mix of yogurt and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection. A classic Indian dish, it’s perfect as a delicious appetizer or main course, garnished with fresh coriander for a refreshing finish.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Chicken Marinade
- 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
For Grilling
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for brushing onto the chicken before grilling)
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander (for garnish)
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chopped chicken breasts into a bowl or freezer bag along with the yogurt, minced garlic, ginger, lemon juice, ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate to Marinate: Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while the chicken marinates. This prevents them from burning during grilling.
- Skewer the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and thread the pieces carefully onto the soaked skewers.
- Brush with Oil and Grill: Lightly brush the chicken pieces with vegetable oil and place them on a griddle plate. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, grill under a broiler or barbecue for the same duration.
- Check for Doneness: Slice a larger piece of chicken to ensure it is no longer pink in the center, confirming it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken tikka to a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander for a bright, fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination can enhance the flavor even more.
- Wooden skewers should be soaked for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- You can adjust the chilli powder according to your spice preference.
- If fresh ginger or garlic is not available, you may substitute with ground ginger powder and garlic powder, but fresh is preferred.
- Serve with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to avoid any food safety issues.
Keywords: Chicken Tikka, Indian Chicken Recipe, Grilled Chicken, Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Indian Grill