Tandoori Chicken Skewers
Smoky, succulent Tandoori Chicken Skewers marinated in a vibrant Greek yogurt and spice blend, then grilled or baked to perfection. These lean protein skewers are bursting with authentic Indian flavors and are incredibly versatile for any meal.
For 4 servings
**Prepare Chicken & Marinade**: Pat chicken breast cubes dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red chili powder (if using), and turmeric powder (if using). Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste forms.
**Marinate**: Add the dried chicken cubes to the yogurt mixture. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 4-6 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the yogurt to tenderize the chicken.
**Prepare Vegetables & Skewers**: While the chicken marinates, cut the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion into roughly 1-inch pieces, similar in size to the chicken. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
**Assemble Skewers**: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with the bell pepper and onion pieces. Aim for 4-5 chicken pieces per skewer, ensuring vegetables are placed between chicken pieces to prevent them from drying out.
**Preheat & Prepare for Cooking**: **Grilling**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. **Baking**: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet for even cooking, if available.
**Cook the Skewers**: **Grilling**: Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and has developed nice char marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). **Baking**: Arrange skewers on the prepared wire rack/baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and slightly charred at the edges. For extra char, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
**Rest & Serve**: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice. Serve hot with mint chutney, a side salad, or naan bread.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Don't Skip Marination**: The longer the chicken marinates (up to 24 hours), the more tender and flavorful it will be. The yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer.
- 2**Evenly Sized Pieces**: Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- 3**Prevent Sticking**: Always oil your grill grates or baking rack well before placing the skewers to prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking.
- 4**Internal Temperature**: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Tandoori Skewers
Replace chicken with paneer (Indian cheese), firm tofu, or large mushrooms. Adjust cooking time as needed, as vegetables and paneer cook faster than chicken.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
For extra heat, add finely chopped green chilies to the marinade or increase the amount of red chili powder to your preference.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Experiment with other sturdy vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or pineapple chunks on your skewers for varied textures and flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and promoting satiety, which can aid in weight management.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Greek yogurt provides calcium and probiotics for gut health, while the array of spices offers antioxidants and various micronutrients like iron and magnesium.
Low in Saturated Fat
When prepared with lean chicken and cooked without excessive oil, these skewers are a healthy option for managing fat intake and supporting cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The skewers can also be assembled a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated until you're ready to cook them.
