Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Marinating Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
240 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Tandoori Chicken Kebabs
Description
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs coated in a yogurt-based marinade with aromatics and spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a layered Indian spice profile. After marinating at least one to two hours, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and cooked on a hot grill or grill pan, achieving a slightly charred exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
The cucumber raita consists of yogurt mixed with finely diced cucumber, cumin, cilantro, and salt providing a cool contrast to the spice of the kebabs. Garnishes of fresh cilantro and lemon wedges enhance brightness and freshness at serving.
The kebabs can be enjoyed with naan or basmati rice to complement the bold flavors. Leftovers can be repurposed into dishes like wraps, pizzas, or salads, extending the versatility of the grilled chicken.
For wooden skewers, soaking in water before grilling reduces burning risk. Marinating overnight deepens flavor. Store cooked leftovers refrigerated for several days or freeze for longer-term storage.
Ingredients
- ½ cup yogurt plain, regular or Greek
- 1 tablespoon ginger chopped fresh
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 teaspoon paprika sweet
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil or vegetable or olive oil
- 4 chicken thighs boneless, skinless, about 18 oz, trimmed of fat and cut into 1-inch pieces
- oil for brushing the grill
- cilantro leaves for garnish
- lemon wedges for garnish
Cucumber Raita:
- ¾ cup yogurt plain, regular or Greek
- ½ cup cucumber English variety, finely diced or grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- To make the marinade for the chicken, place the first 12 ingredients (through oil) in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
- Place the chicken in a glass baking dish.
- Pour the marinade on top.
- Stir to coat all of the chicken pieces with the marinade. Marinate the chicken at least 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat and brush the grill with oil. Thread the chicken onto 8 wooden or metal skewers (about 9 inches in length). If using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for 20 minutes first to prevent burning. Grill the kabobs about 10-12 minutes until the meat is cooked through, turning them over halfway through. Remove them from the grill.
- To make the cucumber raita, mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Chill before serving.
- Serve kabobs with raita and naan or basmati rice, if desired. Garnish with cilantro leaves and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Garam masala typically includes peppercorns, cloves, cumin, coriander, and cardamom; omit or adjust spices if not available.
- Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 20 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Serve with cucumber raita, naan, or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Leftover kebabs can be refrigerated for 4-5 days or frozen up to 3 months for future meals.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, salads, or recipes like Tandoori Chicken Pizza.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 240 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0g | |
| Calories | 240kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 125mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 799mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 380mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 411IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 109mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.