Tandoori Chicken Skewers

$- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix - 1 bell pepper, cut into pieces - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for serving Tandoori chicken skewers start with juicy chicken thighs. I love to use boneless thighs. They stay moist and have great flavor. The marinade is key. It includes yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and tandoori spices. First, get your chicken ready. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. Next, in a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and tandoori spice. The spices give the chicken that classic, bold taste. You want to let the chicken soak in this mix for at least two hours. If you can, let it marinate overnight. This deepens the flavor. While the chicken marinates, prepare your veggies. I like to add bell peppers and red onions. They add color and crunch. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. When you grill, fresh cilantro and lemon wedges make a great finish. They brighten the dish and add a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your cooking! To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the following: - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Mix these until they blend well. The yogurt adds creaminess, while the spices give a bold flavor. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with taste. Next, add your chicken cubes to the bowl. Make sure each piece gets a good coating of the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let it sit overnight. This step is key for deep, rich flavor. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to stop them from burning. Now, it’s time to assemble your skewers. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. You can also add bell pepper and red onion pieces for color and crunch. Alternate between chicken and veggies for a vibrant look. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn them often to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken should have nice grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges. For full details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy your new favorite dish! For the best flavor, marinate your chicken overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the meat and adds depth. If you’re short on time, aim for at least two hours. This helps the spices soak in and enhances the taste. To ensure even cooking, turn the skewers regularly on the grill. This helps all sides get those lovely grill marks. You want the chicken to cook through and stay juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Pair the skewers with naan or rice for a complete meal. The soft naan or fluffy rice balances the spice. You can also add a fresh salad or yogurt sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy your feast with friends or family! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your tandoori skewers. If you want a seafood twist, use shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. For a hearty option, try beef. It adds a rich taste that pairs nicely with spices. If you prefer plant-based meals, tofu is a great choice. It soaks up the marinade and becomes delightfully flavorful. You can easily adjust the heat in your tandoori chicken skewers. The cayenne pepper is the key ingredient for spice. If you want a milder taste, reduce the cayenne. For those who love heat, feel free to add more. You can even mix in a dash of chili powder for an extra kick. Tailor the spice to fit your taste buds! Don't be afraid to get creative with your flavors. Adding fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can brighten the dish. You can also include citrus zest, such as lemon or lime, for a refreshing zing. These small changes can make a big difference. Experimenting with flavors can lead to exciting new tastes in your skewers. To keep leftover skewers fresh, refrigerate them in an airtight container. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out. Make sure to eat them within three days for the best taste. You can also add a bit of yogurt or lemon juice to keep the flavor strong. If you want to save time, freeze the marinated chicken for future grilling. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat your skewers, use an oven or grill. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. If using a grill, warm them on low heat for a few minutes, turning often. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. Avoid the microwave, as it can dry out the meat. Tandoori chicken is a dish from India. It gets its name from the tandoor, a clay oven. People have made tandoori chicken for centuries. The dish is famous for its smoky flavor and bright color. The marinade includes yogurt and spices. This makes the chicken juicy and tender. Tandoori chicken is a favorite at many gatherings. It represents the rich culinary culture of India. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Thighs are juicy, but breasts work too. They cook faster and have less fat. Just remember to adjust cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid dryness. Cut them into the same size pieces. This helps them cook evenly. You can still enjoy great flavor with chicken breasts. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut a piece to check. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear. If the chicken is not done, grill it a bit longer. Checking these signs ensures safe eating. Tandoori chicken skewers pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Naan bread - Basmati rice - Cucumber salad - Raita (yogurt sauce) - Grilled vegetables These sides complement the flavors of the chicken. They add freshness and balance to your meal. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian. Use paneer, tofu, or mushrooms as substitutes. These options soak up the marinade well. You can also use vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time for different ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy tandoori flavors! For the full recipe, check the details above. This guide showed you how to make tasty tandoori chicken skewers. You learned about the right ingredients, marination tips, and grilling steps for juicy chicken. Remember, marinate overnight for the best flavor. You can also switch proteins or spice levels to suit your taste. Use our storage tips to save leftovers. With this recipe, you can wow your family and friends. Enjoy your cooking and have fun experimenting!$

Discover the mouthwatering delight of Tandoori Chicken Skewers with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful yogurt blend with spices make for the perfect grilling treat. Pair with vibrant bell peppers and onions, and you'll have a dish that impresses everyone. Ready to elevate your next barbecue? Click to explore this delicious recipe and bring a taste of India to your table!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix (or homemade: cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 red onion, cut into wedges

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, tandoori spice mix, vegetable oil, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix until well combined.

Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the yogurt mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper, and red onion onto the skewers, alternating between chicken and vegetables for a colorful presentation.

Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve: Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 4