Marinated Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's Quick & Easy Indian Cooking, these Marinated Grilled Chicken Kebabs pack all the flavor without excess fat. Marinated in a zesty blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, these kebabs are tender, juicy, and incredibly aromatic. Perfect for gatherings, they can be served as a delightful appetizer or a satisfying main course for four. Enjoy these delicious kebabs with your favorite side dishes or fresh salad. Just a culinary tip: turmeric can stain, so handle it with care while preparing your marinade.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
plain yogurt
3 tablespoons
chickpea flour
2 tablespoons (or all-purpose flour)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (adjust for spice preference)
ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
garam masala
1/2 teaspoon
butter
4 teaspoons (melted for basting)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Rub the chicken with fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well coated.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt and chickpea flour, whisking until smooth. Then add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, grated ginger, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and garam masala. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
3
Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. For even deeper flavor, consider refrigerating it overnight.
4
Preheat your broiler or grill to high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
5
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Arrange them on a broiling pan or grill grate. Brush half of the melted butter over the kebabs.
6
Cook the kebabs for about 5 minutes. Carefully flip them over, baste with the remaining melted butter, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
7
Serve your delicious kebabs hot, accompanied by your choice of sides or dip.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Marinated Grilled Chicken Kebabs?
They are Indian-inspired chicken skewers marinated in a zesty blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, then grilled or broiled until tender.
What is the inspiration for this chicken kebab recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's Quick & Easy Indian Cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, these kebabs are designed to provide maximum flavor without excess fat, making them a healthy option.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves four people when prepared as a main course.
What cut of chicken is best for these kebabs?
The recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of plain yogurt, chickpea flour, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala.
Can I substitute chickpea flour?
Yes, if you do not have chickpea flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken and grilling.
What cooking methods can I use for these kebabs?
You can use either a broiler or an outdoor grill on high heat.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
The first step is to rub the chicken cubes with fresh lemon juice and salt.
How much total salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt in total, divided between the initial rub and the marinade.
What is the role of yogurt in this recipe?
Yogurt acts as the base of the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and carry the spice flavors.
Is this dish very spicy?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted based on your personal spice preference.
What warning is given regarding turmeric?
Turmeric can stain surfaces and skin, so handle it with care while preparing the marinade.
How long do the kebabs take to cook?
They cook for approximately 7-8 minutes in total: 5 minutes on the first side and 2-3 minutes on the second side.
What is the purpose of the melted butter?
Melted butter is used to baste the chicken while cooking to add moisture and a rich finish.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Yes, these kebabs work perfectly as either a delightful appetizer or a main course.
What should I serve with these kebabs?
They are excellent with fresh salads, various side dishes, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Should the ginger and garlic be fresh?
The recipe recommends using fresh grated ginger and minced garlic cloves for the best flavor.
What size should the chicken cubes be?
The chicken should be cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking on the skewers.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when it is thoroughly cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
What is garam masala?
Garam masala is a blend of ground spices common in Indian cuisine that adds warmth and depth to the marinade.
How many grams of chicken are needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 pounds of chicken breasts.
Do I need to whisk the marinade?
Yes, you should whisk the yogurt and flour until smooth before adding the spices.
Can I cook these in an oven?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions using a broiler, which is a common oven function.
Is the lemon juice added to the marinade mixture?
No, the lemon juice is rubbed directly onto the chicken before the yogurt marinade is applied.
Are these kebabs served hot or cold?
These kebabs should be served hot immediately after cooking.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The flavor profile is zesty, aromatic, and savory, defined by cumin, turmeric, and lemon.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the chicken, spices, and basting butter.