Sizzling Chicken Tikka Skewers a Taste of India at Home

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken for these chicken tikka skewers? Is overnight really necessary?

While you *can* get away with a shorter marinade, ideally, marinate your chicken tikka skewers for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. Think of it like brewing a proper cuppa – the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavour! Marinating overnight allows the yogurt and spices to really penetrate the chicken, resulting in a much more tender and flavourful skewer. It's a game changer, trust us.

Chicken Tikka Skewers My Secret to Sizzling Indian Flavours

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 24, 2025Updated: September 23, 2025

3.00 (2 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Ready to Spice Up Your Life?

Fancy a bit of India in your own kitchen? I thought so! These chicken tikka skewers are about to become your new favourite thing.

They are bursting with flavour and super easy to chuck together. Trust me.

From Delhi to Your Dinner Table: What's the Story?

This recipe is inspired by classic Indian cuisine , particularly the vibrant street food scene. We're talking tender chicken skewers recipe marinated in a gorgeous yogurt marinade , packed with spices.

This easy chicken recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, plus a good couple of hours for marinating. It makes enough for four hungry people.

Why You'll Absolutely Love These Chicken Tikka Skewers

These healthy chicken skewers are lean, mean, flavour machines. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken super juicy and tender. Plus, it's a brilliant excuse to fire up the BBQ skewers in summer! I reckon they are perfect for party appetizers , or even a quick weeknight dinners .

Honestly, nothing beats homemade tikka !

Let's Get This Show on the Road: What You'll Need

Ready to get going? You'll need some chicken thigh recipes as they stay nice and moist. Don't forget the ginger garlic paste and garam masala recipes , they are proper key.

And a good squeeze of lemon juice marinade for that extra zing. Let's grab the ingredients!

Alright, let's chat about what you need to whip up some amazing chicken tikka skewers . Seriously, these are gonna be the star of your next BBQ! I remember once trying to rush the marinade and.

.. well, let's just say patience is key here, alright?

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ). Seriously, use thighs! They stay juicy.
Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Freshly squeezed, obvs.
Salt: 1 tsp ( 5g ) for prepping the chicken.
Greek Yogurt: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Full fat is richer, but low-fat works too.
Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ). Sunflower is a great sub.
Ginger Garlic Paste: 2 tbsp ( 30g ). ready-made saves time!
Ground Coriander: 1 tbsp ( 7g ). Essential.
Ground Cumin: 1 tbsp ( 7g ). Don't skip this!
Garam Masala: 1 tsp ( 5g ). Adds the magic! If you don't have it, a pinch of cloves and cinnamon.
Turmeric Powder: 1 tsp ( 3g ). Adds colour and earthiness.
Chilli Powder: 1/2 tsp ( 1.5g ). Or more, if you like it hot!
Salt: 1/2 tsp ( 3g ). To taste, for the marinade.
Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp ( 1.5g ).

Quality indicators? For the chicken, look for a good colour and fresh smell. For spices like garam masala recipes , if you can smell their aroma then it means they are perfect.

Seasoning Notes

This is where the Indian cuisine really comes alive. Garam masala is your base, but don't be afraid to tweak things.

Want a spicy chicken recipe ? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper spice .

Out of something? Smoked paprika substitute the chili powder, you know? It adds a bit of smokiness. A good squeeze of lemon juice marinade always brightens things up.

Honestly, some times I also use orange juice too. It depends on my mood, yeah?

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Skewers (metal or wooden)
Grill, baking sheet, or frying pan

You only need a mixing bowl for the yogurt marinade and chicken thigh recipes . Soaked skewers! Don't forget to soak wooden ones for 30 minutes .

Otherwise, fire! A baking sheet is a good alternative to a bbq skewers .

I think these chicken tikka skewers are the perfect solution for your weeknight dinners or party appetizers . Don't be scared, this easy chicken recipe is easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Enjoy your homemade tikka !

Cooking Method: Unleash Your Inner Chef with Sizzling Chicken Tikka Skewers

Oh my gosh, you have to try this chicken tikka skewers recipe! Seriously, forget ordering takeout. I'm going to teach you to make the best Indian cuisine right at home.

Think smoky, flavourful, and totally addictive. These are perfect grilling recipes for summer!

Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon

First things first, mise en place is your best friend. Get everything prepped before you even think about turning on the heat.

Chop the chicken thighs , measure out your spices, and soak your wooden skewers in water. Honestly, this little bit of organization saves so much stress later on.

This marinade recipe is the best!

Essential Mise en Place

Dice your chicken thighs into 1 inch cubes. Measure out the yogurt marinade , garam masala recipes , and get that ginger garlic paste ready to go.

A little lemon juice marinade is key to tenderizing the chicken. I'm talking 1 tbsp (15ml).

Time Saving Organization Tips

Use pre-minced ginger and garlic. It cuts down on prep time. Or, blend equal parts ginger and garlic for a super fresh ginger garlic paste .

You can make a big batch of the spice mix beforehand. Store it in an airtight container. You'll thank me later!

step-by-step: The Skewering Saga

Alright, let's get these chicken tikka skewers on the road! It is an easy chicken recipes .

Toss the chicken with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp salt.
Whisk together yogurt, oil, spices for the marinade.
Marinate the chicken in the yogurt marinade for at least 2 hours (overnight is better!).
Thread the chicken onto skewers.
Grill, bake, or pan-fry until cooked through (165° F/ 74° C ).

Visual cue: The chicken should be nicely charred on the outside and cooked through.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tikka Game

Want to take your homemade tikka to the next level? Marinate the chicken overnight! It makes a huge difference in flavour and tenderness.

Seriously, trust me on this one. It will add a great flavour to your chicken skewers recipe . This can make you have the best indian appetizers .

Common mistakes to avoid: Overcooking the chicken! No one wants dry, rubbery spicy chicken recipes . Use a meat thermometer to make sure it's cooked through.

Aim for 165° F/ 74° C . This makes a healthy chicken skewers .

You can make the marinade ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken tikka skewers are the perfect party appetizers .

Serve your tikka kebab recipe with a raita dip or a cucumber salad recipe . It pairs well with a cold Kingfisher beer pairing or a mango lassi recipe .

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken Tikka Skewers

Right then, before you dive headfirst into making these absolutely cracking chicken tikka skewers , let's have a quick chinwag about a few things that'll help you get it spot on.

Honestly, these are just a few things I’ve learned along the way to perfecting my own homemade tikka recipe.

Serving Up a Treat!

Plating like a Pro: Forget boring plates! Think vibrant. Lay your chicken tikka skewers on a bed of fluffy basmati rice pairing .
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro garnish adds a pop of colour, and lemon wedges side dish are essential for that final zing.
Side Hustles: These Indian appetizers go brilliantly with naan bread accompaniment . Don't forget a cooling raita dip or a cucumber salad recipe to balance the spice.
If you're feeling fancy, crack open a Kingfisher beer pairing or whip up a mango lassi recipe .

Storing Your Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Fridge Raid: Got leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer Treasure: These babies freeze well! Just make sure they're properly cooled first. They'll last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Magic: The best way to reheat is in the oven. It keeps them nice and juicy. You can also microwave them, but they might be a bit drier.

Remixing Your Skewers

dairy-free Dreams: Use coconut milk marinade instead of yogurt. It gives a lovely subtle sweetness.
Veggie Vibes: Swap the chicken skewers recipe for paneer skewers or tofu skewers . Just remember to press the tofu first to get rid of excess water.
Spice It Up: Add some cayenne pepper spice or smoked paprika substitute if you want a milder smoky flavor.

Goodness in Every Bite

These healthy chicken skewers aren't just tasty; they're pretty good for you too! Chicken is a great source of protein, and the yogurt marinade is packed with probiotics.

Plus, all those spices are known for their health benefits. Not bad for something that tastes this good, eh? So, there you have it.

All you need to know to make these chicken tikka skewers a guaranteed success. Now get in the kitchen and get grilling.

You got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for these chicken tikka skewers? Is overnight really necessary?

While you can get away with a shorter marinade, ideally, marinate your chicken tikka skewers for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. Think of it like brewing a proper cuppa the longer it steeps, the stronger the flavour!

Marinating overnight allows the yogurt and spices to really penetrate the chicken, resulting in a much more tender and flavourful skewer. It's a game changer, trust us.

Can I bake the chicken tikka skewers instead of grilling them?

Absolutely! Baking is a fantastic alternative, especially if the weather's a bit rubbish outside (classic British summertime, eh?). Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), pop the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until cooked through.

You won't get quite the same smoky char as grilling, but they'll still be delicious.

What's the best way to store leftover chicken tikka skewers?

Leftover chicken tikka skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.

To reheat, you can microwave them, but for the best results, try warming them in a pan with a touch of oil or under the grill to retain that lovely charred flavour.

Are chicken tikka skewers healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Chicken tikka skewers can definitely be part of a healthy diet! They're a good source of protein, especially if you use lean chicken thighs and low-fat Greek yogurt. However, be mindful of the sodium content from the spices and added salt.

You can adjust the amount of chilli powder used in your marinade to adjust the spice level based on your preferences.

I want to make these chicken tikka skewers vegetarian. What can I substitute for the chicken?

Brilliant idea! Paneer (Indian cheese) is a classic and delicious substitute, as it holds its shape well and soaks up the marinade beautifully. Another great option is firm tofu; just make sure to press it well to remove excess water before marinating.

You could also use halloumi for a lovely salty flavour and a satisfyingly squeaky texture when grilled.

Can I make the chicken tikka marinade ahead of time?

You sure can! Making the marinade ahead of time is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Simply whisk together all the marinade ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to cook, just add the chicken and let it marinate as directed. Easy peasy!