Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Tandoori Skewers! Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces infused with a symphony of aromatic Indian spices, charred to perfection and bursting with flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food enthusiast, this recipe promises to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone at your dining table.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tandoori spice mix
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk ingredients until well blended to create a smooth marinade.
- Add chicken breast cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (preferably overnight) to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Before cooking, remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). If using a gas grill, set burners to direct and indirect heat zones.
- Thread marinated chicken cubes onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Place skewers on the grill, rotating every 4-5 minutes to achieve even charring and cooking.
- Grill chicken for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, serve with mint chutney, and accompany with naan bread or basmati rice.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the yogurt and spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Skewer Strategy: Leave a small gap between chicken pieces on the skewer to promote better heat circulation and more uniform grilling.
- Grill Temperature Control: Maintain a medium-high heat (400-450°F) and use both direct and indirect heat zones for perfect charring without burning.
- Moisture Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results.
- Resting Period: Allow the skewers to rest for 3-5 minutes after grilling to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with cooling mint chutney, fresh naan bread, or fragrant basmati rice for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
