🌶️ Chicken Tikka Skewers: A Flavor-Packed Indian Classic 🔥
There’s nothing quite like the bold, smoky flavors of authentic Chicken Tikka — tender, juicy chunks of marinated chicken grilled to perfection on skewers with vibrant veggies. Whether you’re using a grill, oven, or stovetop, this recipe is guaranteed to transport your taste buds to the streets of India. Serve it with mint chutney and warm naan, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-style meal at home!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
- ½ cup hung curd (strained yogurt)
- 1½ tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (for vibrant color)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp chaat masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mustard oil (optional but adds authentic flavor)
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of orange food color (optional)
For the Skewers:
- 1 large onion, cubed
- 1 large green capsicum (bell pepper), cubed
- Butter or oil, for basting
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken pieces and mix well to ensure every piece is coated in the spicy yogurt mixture. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours — overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken, onion, and capsicum alternately onto the skewers.
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
a. Oven/Grill/Tandoor Method:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Place the skewers on a grill rack over a lined tray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway.
- Brush with butter or oil during cooking to keep the chicken juicy.
- For a smoky, charred effect, broil or grill for the last 2–3 minutes.
b. Tawa/Stovetop Method:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers and cook on all sides until the chicken is browned, charred in spots, and cooked through.
🍽️ Serve With:
- Mint yogurt chutney
- Onion rings and lemon wedges
- Butter naan, paratha, or rumali roti
⏱️ Time & Yield:
- Prep Time: 15 mins (plus marination)
- Cook Time: 20–25 mins
- Total Time: ~45 mins
- Servings: 3–4
🌟 Tips for Success:
- Hung curd ensures the marinade sticks and doesn’t become watery.
- Mustard oil adds a traditional smoky punch — warm it slightly before mixing.
- Don’t overcook the chicken or it will dry out — aim for juicy, tender bites!
🎉 This Chicken Tikka is perfect for weekend BBQs, family dinners, or festive gatherings. Spicy, smoky, and irresistibly good — once you try it, it might just become a regular in your kitchen!
