If you’re craving a taste of Indian cuisine, these Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a must-try! Marinated in a zesty yogurt sauce packed with warm spices, these juicy skewers offer a delightful grilling experience that’ll impress friends and family. Perfectly charred on the grill, they come alive with flavor that’s both exotic and familiar!
Budget Information
The total cost for making Chicken Tikka Kebabs is approximately $15. This breaks down to about $2.50 per serving, given that this recipe serves six people. Here’s a quick look at the breakdown of costs:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 lbs): $10
- Whole milk Greek yogurt (1 cup): $1.50
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): $0.50
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): $0.25
- Garlic (4 cloves): $0.50
- Ginger (1 inch, grated): $0.25
- Spices (turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, cayenne): $1
- Red onion (1): $0.50
- Lime wedges and cilantro (garnish): $1
Why This Recipe Works
Marinating the chicken thighs in yogurt not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The blend of spices creates a fragrant, mouthwatering scent that transports you straight to the heart of India. Plus, grilling these kebabs gives them the coveted smoky char that takes your taste buds on an adventure. You’ll be amazed at how easy and straightforward this dish is!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these fantastic Chicken Tikka Kebabs:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – $10
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt – $1.50 (can substitute with low-fat yogurt)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste – $0.50
- 2 tbsp olive oil – $0.25 (can use any cooking oil)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced – $0.50 (or garlic powder)
- 1 inch ginger, grated – $0.25 (or ginger paste)
- Spices (1 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp coriander, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 tsp kosher salt) – $1 (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges – $0.50
- Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish – $1 (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Follow these steps to make these juicy chicken tikka skewers.
Step 1: Begin by crafting your Chicken Tikka Yogurt Marinade! In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk Greek yogurt, tomato paste, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk this all together until it forms a lovely, thick mixture. Now, sprinkle in the turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt. Stir until all the spices are well incorporated into the yogurt. Once that’s done, toss in the chunks of chicken thighs, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated in this fantastic marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s like giving the chicken a mini spa day!
Step 2: After marinating, it’s time to assemble the skewers! Remove the chicken from the fridge and take out your metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes). Thread the pieces of marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with wedges of red onion to add a touch of sweetness and color. Stack those skewers high, but make sure to leave a bit of space between each piece for that perfect char!
Step 3: Now comes the exciting part—grilling! Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the skewers onto the grill. You’ll want to cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Be sure to turn them when you see nice grill marks and they easily release from the grates. The key is to get that beautiful char while ensuring the chicken cooks through; you’ll want those internal temperatures to reach 165°F for perfect doneness! The total grill time will be around 22-25 minutes.
Step 4: Once your kebabs have that mouthwatering, char-grilled exterior, remove them from the heat. Before serving, garnish these beauties with freshly chopped cilantro and serve alongside wedges of lime for that zestful punch. A dollop of extra yogurt on the side is a fantastic addition!
Nutritional Facts
For one serving (1 kabob):
Calories: 230 kcal
Protein: 31.5 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Total Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
Cholesterol: 144 mg
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 473 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, trust me!), you can refrigerate the chicken and onions in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pull them out of the fridge. If you prefer your chicken warm, remove the pieces from the skewers and pop them in the microwave, or give them a quick reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for a few minutes. Enjoy them cold as a topping on a salad for a refreshing meal too!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Tikka Kebabs with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice to truly capture the essence of an Indian feast. A side of cucumber raita or a crunchy salad can balance the spices beautifully. For a fun twist, wrap the kebabs in pita bread with yogurt sauce and crunchy veggies. The flavor combinations are endless!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices according to your taste! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, add bell peppers or mushrooms to the skewers for an added veggie boost. And always remember: a little patience in the marinating process results in tender, flavorful chicken that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. If you go this route, make sure to monitor them closely while grilling.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, it’s perfectly cooked.
Can I make these kebabs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the skewers right before grilling.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use regular yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter version.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! You can broil them in the oven or cook them in an air fryer. Just keep an eye on them while they cook to achieve that delightful char!
