Chicken Tikka Kebab is a popular dish that brings a taste of Indian cuisine to your table. These flavorful skewers are marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, making them a favorite for parties and family dinners.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making Chicken Tikka Kebabs at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also lets you experiment with flavors to suit your taste. The marination process infuses the chicken with rich spices, and grilling adds that beautiful charred finish. Plus, it’s a fun dish to share with loved ones!
How to make Chicken Tikka Kebab
Ingredients :
- 400g (14 oz) Chicken Breast
- 35g (Thumb Sized Piece) Ginger
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 15g (⅓-½ Packed Cup) Fresh Coriander
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 50g (¼ Cup) Yoghurt
- Freshly chopped coriander for Garnish
Directions :
- Cut the chicken into 2-3cm (~1″) cubes.
- Finely chop the coriander.
- Peel the garlic and mash it into a paste, using a pinch of salt to help.
- Peel and grate the ginger, then mix it with all of the other ingredients for the tikka marinade.
- Once mixed, add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them for half an hour before cooking.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat your grill to the hottest setting.
- Place the kebabs under the grill and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F before serving.
- If using an electric grill, you may not get the same heat as a gas grill. A quick blast with a blow torch can add some nice charring.
- For an air fryer, spray the basket with oil. Cook the kebabs in a single layer at 200°C or 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway. Make sure they reach 73°C or 165°F.
- For the oven, preheat to 220°C or 450°F (200°C or 400°F for fan-assisted ovens). Place the kebabs on a wire rack over a baking tray and cook for 15-20 minutes, checking the temperature.
- When using a BBQ, get it hot with both direct and indirect heat areas. Oil the BBQ grid, sear kebabs over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until they reach 73°C or 165°F, usually 8 to 15 minutes.

Chicken Tikka Kebab
A popular Indian dish featuring flavorful skewers of marinated chicken grilled to perfection.
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 400g Chicken Breast
- 35g Ginger
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 15g Fresh Coriander
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 50g Yoghurt
- Freshly chopped coriander for Garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 2-3cm cubes.
- Finely chop the coriander.
- Peel the garlic and mash it into a paste.
- Peel and grate the ginger, then mix it with all of the other ingredients for the tikka marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them for half an hour before cooking.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat your grill to the hottest setting.
- Place the kebabs under the grill and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For an air fryer, spray the basket with oil and cook at 200°C for 12-16 minutes.
- For the oven, preheat to 220°C and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- For BBQ, sear kebabs over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until cooked.
Notes
Let the chicken marinate longer for more intense flavor. Adjust the spices according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 240 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
How to serve Chicken Tikka Kebab
Serve Chicken Tikka Kebabs hot, garnished with fresh coriander. They go perfectly with a side of mint chutney, yogurt sauce, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them in wraps or with a salad as a side for a more complete meal, same technique used for its Mediterranean cousin; Chicken Gyros.
How to store Chicken Tikka Kebab
Store any leftover Chicken Tikka Kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Tips to make Chicken Tikka Kebab
- Let the chicken marinate longer for more intense flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through.
- Experiment by adding vegetables onto the skewers for a colorful and healthy twist.
Variations
You can easily make a vegetarian version of Chicken Tikka Kebab using paneer, tofu, or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. The marinade works well with these alternatives!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great for kebabs as they are juicier and more flavorful.
2. Is there a substitute for Kashmiri chili powder?
If you can’t find Kashmiri chili powder, you can use regular chili powder but reduce the quantity to avoid too much heat.
3. Can I grill these kebabs on a stovetop?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop to cook the kebabs if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the taste of India right into your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and cooking methods, it’s a recipe that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a barbeque or having a quiet night in, these kebabs are sure to impress!
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