Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, smoky, spice-packed Chicken Tikka Kebab! This Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe brings the zingy flavors of classic Indian street food right into your kitchen—no tandoor required. With its bright marinade, irresistible aroma, and tender bite, this is a recipe you’ll find excuses to make “just one more time.”

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into your Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe. Each ingredient has a job to do—bringing color, flavor, and those iconic charred edges to your skewers. Don’t be intimidated by the list; every item plays its part to deliver a knockout dish!

• Chicken Breast (400g): Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a juicy, succulent bite—cut into cubes so every piece gets coated in marinade.
• Ginger (thumb-sized, 35g): Freshly grated ginger packs a citrusy warmth and helps tenderize the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Crush or mash to infuse that deep, savory undertone throughout the kababs.
• Salt (½ tsp): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the bold spices.
• Ground Cumin (¼ tsp): Brings smoky earthiness nobody can resist.
• Kashmiri Chili Powder (1 tbsp): Offers gorgeous color and mild heat, giving the signature tikka glow.
• Garam Masala (1 tsp): Adds that complex layer of spice—aromatic, robust, and oh-so inviting.
• Turmeric (½ tsp): For stunning golden color and a whisper of earthy bitterness.
• Fresh Coriander (15g): Finely chopped for herby brightness in each bite and as a garnish.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Lifts the marinade with a zesty, citrusy kick—don’t skip it!
• Cooking Oil (2 tbsp): Helps everything blend, cling, and develop those irresistible crisp edges.
• Yoghurt (50g): The secret to juicy, lush kebabs—creates a creamy base for all those spices.
• Fresh Coriander (for garnish): Sprinkle over the top for a fresh, green finish.

Variations

The beauty of a Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe is how forgiving and flexible it is! Don’t be afraid to experiment or tweak it to suit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs—this dish is all about having fun in the kitchen.

• Swap Chicken for Paneer or Veggies: Use firm paneer cubes or a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a stellar vegetarian twist.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the Kashmiri chili powder for more or less heat—or add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut yogurt to keep everything creamy and completely lactose-free.
• Smoky BBQ Version: Toss a small piece of charcoal in hot ghee, trap the smoke with a lid for a minute, and infuse the kebabs with authentic tandoor flavor.

How to Make Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes (2–3cm each), so every piece cooks evenly and stays juicy. Finely chop your fresh coriander, mash the garlic with a pinch of salt for maximum flavor release, and grate your ginger. Mix all marinade ingredients—ginger, garlic, all the spices, lemon juice, oil, and yoghurt—into a creamy, aromatic paste.

Step 2: Marinate for Flavors to Shine

Add the chicken to your marinade and toss until every cube is coated in those vibrant spices. Cover and let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours (up to 24 hours makes them truly unforgettable!). This is where the magic happens—the longer, the better for flavor and tenderness.

Step 3: Skewer Up for Sizzling Success

If you’re using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving just enough space between so the heat circulates and you get caramelized, slightly charred edges.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Adventure

You can use the broiler/grill, air fryer, oven, or BBQ—each brings out a unique charm. For the grill, preheat to the hottest setting and cook kebabs for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is slightly charred and registers 73°C (165°F). For the air fryer, cook at 200°C/400°F for 12–16 minutes. Oven method calls for 220°C/450°F for 15–20 minutes on a rack. And on the BBQ, sear over direct heat then finish indirectly—taste-testing is encouraged!

Step 5: Finish with Signature Touches

If you want authentic, smoky-char edges like you’d get from a tandoor, give the cooked kebabs a very quick blast with a kitchen blowtorch. Sprinkle over fresh coriander before serving for a final burst of flavor and color—now it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon right before serving bring brilliant color, zing, and aroma to each skewer. For a true Indian touch, add fine slices of red onion and a dash of chaat masala—these simple garnishes really make the Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe pop!

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken tikka kebabs with warm naan, fluffy basmati rice, or parathas for a feast. Brighten the plate with crisp salad or classic mint-cilantro chutney, and don’t forget a cool dollop of raita to balance those spices. Fresh cucumber slices or pickled onions are a delight on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slide the cooked kebab cubes off the skewers onto toothpicks for irresistible tikka appetizers. Wrap them in warm roti with a spread of chutney for Indian-style wraps, or tuck them into lettuce cups for a modern, low-carb twist. The Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe also shines atop salads or stuffed into pitas with crunchy veggies!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a gift! Simply slide the cooled kebab pieces into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making leftovers absolutely crave-worthy in wraps and salads.

Freezing

Chicken tikka freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled, cooked pieces on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to relive the magic—great for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.

Reheating

To reheat, place kebab pieces on a baking tray, cover lightly with foil, and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes, or until piping hot. For quick results, the microwave works too—just add a splash of water to keep things moist, and always heat through thoroughly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These homemade Chicken Tikka Kebabs are such a treat—you get that irresistible tandoori-style flavor in every bite, no fancy tools or takeout required. Give this Chicken Tikka Kebab Recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it again tomorrow!

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