Spicy Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers
Indulge in these Spicy Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers, a delightful fusion of flavors inspired by traditional Indian cuisine. Marinated in a creamy, zesty yogurt mixture infused with aromatic spices, these juicy chicken bites are grilled to perfection, creating a smoky char that enhances their tantalizing taste. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home, these skewers are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Serve with fresh lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (large, cut into cubes)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (regular or Greek, unsweetened)
Pressed garlic
1 tablespoon (freshly pressed)
Freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon (grated)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons
Salt
1/3 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/3 teaspoon
Melted butter or olive oil
as needed (for brushing)
Lime
for serving (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Start by cleaning the chicken breasts and cutting them into evenly-sized cubes, suitable for threading onto skewers.
2
Using a fork, prick the chicken pieces all over to allow the marinade to penetrate better.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with fresh lemon juice and stir well. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4
In a separate large bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, pressed garlic, freshly grated ginger, ground cumin, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the marinade.
5
Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for 4-6 hours.
6
After marination, thread the chicken onto skewers, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded.
7
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, creating a nice flame.
8
Once the grill is ready, place the chicken skewers on the grates. Brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
9
Grill the chicken for approximately 6 minutes on one side, or until you see nice grill marks and the chicken begins to firm up.
10
Carefully turn the skewers over, brush the opposite side with more butter or olive oil, and grill for another 6 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
11
Check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges for a refreshing squeeze over the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Grilled Chicken Tikka Skewers?
These are juicy chicken bites marinated in a creamy, zesty yogurt mixture with aromatic spices and grilled to perfection for a smoky char.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into evenly-sized cubes.
Why should I prick the chicken with a fork?
Pricking the chicken pieces all over allows the marinade to penetrate the meat better, resulting in more flavor.
How do I prepare the chicken before marinating?
Clean the chicken breasts, cut them into cubes, and stir with fresh lemon juice for a few minutes before adding the marinade.
What is in the Tikka marinade?
The marinade consists of plain yogurt, pressed garlic, grated ginger, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the chicken marinate?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but 4 to 6 hours is recommended for the best flavor.
What type of yogurt should I use?
You can use either regular or Greek unsweetened plain yogurt.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
This recipe calls for 2.5 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, making it quite spicy.
How do I thread the chicken onto skewers?
Thread the pieces so they are snug against each other but not overcrowded on the skewers.
What grill temperature is recommended?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and flame.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Brush the chicken skewers with melted butter or olive oil just before placing them on the grill.
How long do I cook the skewers on each side?
Grill for approximately 6 minutes on the first side, then turn and grill for another 6 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
How should I garnish Spicy Chicken Tikka?
Garnish the hot skewers with fresh lime wedges for a refreshing citrus squeeze.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a juicier result.
How much garlic is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly pressed garlic.
How much ginger is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger.
What are the primary spices used?
The primary spices are ground cumin, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these skewers are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or BBQ events.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best results and flavor.
What is the role of turmeric in this dish?
Turmeric provides an earthy flavor and the traditional yellow-orange color associated with Tikka.
Can I use butter for brushing the chicken?
Yes, melted butter is an excellent choice for brushing the chicken to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the chicken, marinade components, and garnishes.
What kind of cuisine inspired this recipe?
This recipe is a fusion dish inspired by traditional Indian cuisine.
Should I marinate the chicken in the fridge?
Yes, always cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken while it is marinating.
Can I reduce the spice level?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is firming up?
The chicken will turn opaque and resist slight pressure when it begins to firm up on the grill.
Can I make these skewers in advance?
You can marinate the chicken in advance, but for the best texture, grill them just before serving.
What tags define this recipe?
Common tags include chicken tikka, grilled chicken, skewers, spicy, and Indian cuisine.
What provides the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor is created by grilling the marinated chicken over a medium-high flame.