Chicken Tikka Kebabs

Instructions to Make Chicken Tikka Kebabs:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients—yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, chili powder, salt, oil, and black pepper. Mix until you have a smooth, thick paste.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Once coated, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

3. Preheat the Grill or Oven:

Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using a grill, ensure the grates are oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).

4. Skewer the Chicken:

If you’re using skewers, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly. If you don’t have skewers, you can simply place the chicken pieces directly on the grill or use a baking tray in the oven.

5. Cook the Chicken Tikka Kebabs:

• Grill: Place the skewers on the grill and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
• Oven: If using the oven, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a nice char on the outside.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skewers (if using) and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (such as mint chutney) or alongside naan bread and a side of fresh vegetables.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Naan or Rice: Chicken Tikka Kebabs pair wonderfully with soft naan bread or fragrant basmati rice.
• As a Salad: You can also serve them on top of a fresh salad, along with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of yogurt dressing for a lighter meal.
• With Dips: Serve with classic Indian dips like mint chutney or tamarind chutney for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Kebabs:

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder and paprika in the marinade.
• Use Bone-in Chicken (Optional): For even juicier kebabs, try using bone-in chicken pieces and remove the bone after cooking. This gives the kebabs an extra layer of flavor.
• Make It Extra Smoky: For an authentic smoky flavor, you can cook your chicken on a charcoal grill or even use the traditional Indian “dhungar” method, where you place a small piece of burning charcoal in a bowl and add a few drops of ghee (clarified butter) to create smoke, then cover the chicken with the smoke for a few minutes.

Conclusion:

Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and tender chicken with a tangy yogurt marinade. Whether you’re grilling for a party or cooking a weeknight dinner, this recipe will definitely impress your guests and family alike. It’s a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s bound to become a staple in your home.

So, next time you’re craving something exotic and mouthwatering, fire up the grill or your oven and make these delicious Chicken Tikka Kebabs—they’re sure to hit the spot! 🌶🍗