Indian Chicken Tikka Skewers Recipe

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into cubes for easy skewering.

Plain yogurt: Acts as a tenderizing agent and adds a creamy texture to the marinade.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.

Ginger garlic paste: A blend of fresh ginger and garlic, providing a robust flavor base.

Garam masala: A traditional Indian spice blend that adds warmth and complexity.

Cumin powder: Adds a nutty, earthy flavor to the marinade.

Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a vibrant color.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade.

Vegetable oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents it from sticking to the grill.

To ensure the chicken absorbs maximum flavor, make small incisions in the chicken cubes before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender chicken tikka.

• chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and can absorb the marinade flavors well.

• plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, providing a similar tangy flavor and texture.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor that can brighten the dish.

• ginger garlic paste - Substitute with freshly grated ginger and minced garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic provide a more intense and fresh flavor.

• garam masala - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder has a different blend of spices but can still provide a complex flavor profile.

• cumin powder - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a bit of smokiness, though it is spicier than paprika.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a similar cooking property and can add a subtle flavor to the dish.

• Allow the chicken tikka skewers to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Place the cooled chicken tikka in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken tikka within 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain the flavor and prevents freezer burn.

• Place the wrapped skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken tikka skewers in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.

• Reheat the chicken tikka in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a grill or stovetop for a quick reheat, ensuring to turn the skewers occasionally for even heating.

• Serve the reheated chicken tikka skewers with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce to enhance the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the skewers with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For a slightly charred finish, remove the top foil in the last 2-3 minutes of reheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken skewers in the skillet, turning occasionally.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check for desired warmth and crispiness before serving.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the chicken skewers on the grill.
  3. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove once the chicken is warmed through and has a slight char.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, paprika, and salt to create the marinade.

• Measuring cups and spoons: These will help you accurately measure the yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for the marinade.

• Whisk: This will help you mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly.

• Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken breast into cubes.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting the chicken into cubes.

• Skewers: These are essential for threading the marinated chicken before grilling.

• Grill: Preheat this to medium-high heat for cooking the chicken skewers.

• Tongs: Use these to turn the skewers occasionally while grilling to ensure even cooking.

• Serving platter: Once the chicken is grilled, place the skewers on this for serving.

• Basting brush: Optional, but useful for brushing additional marinade or oil on the chicken while grilling.

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and spices the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase chicken breast that is already cut into cubes to avoid the hassle of cutting it yourself.

Soak skewers in water: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Batch grilling: Grill multiple skewers at once to cook all the chicken in one go, saving time and ensuring even cooking.