Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a delicious and flavorful dish, featuring juicy marinated chicken skewers infused with yogurt and aromatic Indian spices. Perfect for grilling, baking, or using the air fryer, these kebabs offer a juicy, tender bite with a smoky flavor that’s sure to delight. They’re an excellent choice for any BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, offering a lighter, healthy alternative without sacrificing taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes

• 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• Salt to taste

For Cooking:

• Cooking spray or olive oil for grilling

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, garlic, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken cubes and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

2. Prepare for Grilling:
   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

3. Cook the Kebabs:
   Lightly spray the grill with cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Grill the chicken kebabs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Serve:
   Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken tikka kebabs hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or alongside a side of rice or a salad.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. 1 skewer with chicken)

• Calories: 160

• Total Fat: 4g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Carbohydrates: 5g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 4g

• Protein: 28g

The Flavorful Marinade

What sets Chicken Tikka Kebabs apart is the vibrant marinade, which is made from a combination of low-fat yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. The yogurt serves as a tenderizer, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and moist while adding a creamy base for the spices to cling to. Lemon juice provides acidity, balancing the richness of the yogurt and brightening the overall flavor profile.

The spices used in the marinade are key to the unique, fragrant flavor of these kebabs. Ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika each contribute to the complexity of the marinade, creating a deep, warm flavor. These spices are staples in Indian cooking, known for their ability to impart rich, earthy, and aromatic qualities. Garlic and fresh ginger add aromatic zest to the mixture, elevating the flavor to another level.

The Perfect Balance of Spices

One of the reasons this marinade works so well is the balance between spices and heat. Chili powder provides a subtle kick, while the paprika adds a bit of smokiness. The turmeric brings a mild, earthy flavor that balances out the heat, and the garam masala adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. All of these spices meld together in the yogurt base to create a marinade that’s both aromatic and flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. The result is a chicken that’s infused with rich, deep flavors while remaining juicy and tender.

Marinating the Chicken

To get the most out of the spices, the chicken needs to marinate for a while. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more time it has to absorb all those aromatic spices. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference in the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.

During marination, the yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer, helping to break down the fibers in the chicken and keeping it moist during cooking. The spices permeate the meat, making every bite flavorful. Once the chicken is marinated, it’s ready for grilling or baking, and you can proceed to prepare the kebabs for cooking.

Grilling the Kebabs

Grilling is one of the best ways to cook these Chicken Tikka Kebabs, as the high heat helps achieve a beautiful char on the outside while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside. To prepare for grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Before placing the skewers on the grill, lightly spray the grill with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Grill the kebabs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken will develop a nice, golden-brown char on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While grilling is the most popular method, Chicken Tikka Kebabs can also be baked or cooked in an air fryer for convenience. If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the kebabs for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. In an air fryer, cook the kebabs at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Each method still delivers delicious, juicy kebabs, but grilling provides that signature smoky flavor that makes these kebabs stand out.

Serving the Kebabs

Once your chicken tikka kebabs are cooked, it’s time to serve! Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender. Serve the kebabs with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added color and freshness. You can also serve them with a side of rice, naan bread, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal.

For an extra layer of flavor, serve these kebabs with a side of yogurt-based sauce or a tangy mint chutney. This adds a cool, refreshing element that complements the warm spices of the kebabs perfectly.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only are Chicken Tikka Kebabs packed with flavor, but they also offer great nutritional value. Each serving of one skewer contains approximately 160 calories, with 28g of protein—making them a great source of lean protein. The low-fat yogurt marinade provides a creamy texture without the added fat, and the chicken remains juicy and tender while still being low in calories.

The kebabs also provide essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B6 from the chicken, and antioxidants from the spices, including turmeric and coriander. Additionally, garlic and ginger provide their own health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting immunity.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Healthy Alternative

In conclusion, Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthy yet flavorful dish. The combination of yogurt, spices, and grilled chicken creates a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any BBQ, weeknight dinner, or casual gathering. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or in the air fryer, making them a versatile option for any occasion. With their bold flavors, tender chicken, and nutritious ingredients, these kebabs are sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.