Chicken Tikka Kebabs
Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a popular dish known for its rich flavors and tender, juicy chicken. It’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or a simple weeknight meal. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows you to customize it to your taste. With a marinade packed with spices, this kebab will surely be a hit with everyone.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Kebab
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) Chicken Breast
- 35g (Thumb Sized Piece) Ginger
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 15g (⅓-½ Packed Cup) Fresh Coriander
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 50g (¼ Cup) Yoghurt
- Freshly chopped coriander for Garnish
Directions:
- Cut the chicken into 2-3cm (~1") cubes.
- Finely chop the coriander.
- Peel the garlic and mash it into a paste; a pinch of the salt helps with this.
- Peel and grate the ginger, then mix it with all the other marinade ingredients.
- Once combined, add the chicken and mix well. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for half an hour before cooking.
- When ready, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat the grill to its hottest setting.
- Place the skewers under the grill and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 73°C or 165°F.
- If using an electric grill, consider a quick blast with a blow torch for extra char.
- For air frying, spray the basket with oil, arrange the kebabs in a single layer, and cook at 200°C or 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For oven cooking, preheat to 220°C or 450°F (or 200°C or 400°F for fan-assisted). Place the kebabs on a wire rack over a baking tray and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- To BBQ, heat the grill, oil the grid, sear the kebabs over direct heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, then move to indirect heat until cooked through.
How to Serve Chicken Tikka Kebab
Serve the Chicken Tikka Kebab hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander. You can accompany it with pita bread, naan, or a side of rice. Adding a yogurt-based sauce or chutney can enhance the flavors even more.
How to Store Chicken Tikka Kebab
Allow leftover kebabs to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Ensure to reheat thoroughly before eating.
Tips to Make Chicken Tikka Kebab
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
- Using fresh ingredients, especially herbs and spices, will enhance the taste.
- Experiment with different types of meats or vegetables for variety.
- Ensure the grill or oven is hot before cooking to get a good char.
Variation
You can make vegetarian versions using paneer, tofu, or assorted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Just ensure you have a good marinade to soak them in, similar to the chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
2. Is it necessary to marinade overnight?
While it’s not necessary, marinating for longer will deepen the flavors, so it’s recommended if you have the time.
3. Can I cook these kebabs in an oven?
Absolutely! You can follow the oven directions provided for a deliciously cooked kebab. Just remember to keep an eye on the cooking time.

Chicken Tikka Kebab
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and tender chicken kebabs marinated in a blend of spices, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 400g Chicken Breast
- 35g Ginger (thumb sized piece)
- 3 Cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric
- 15g Fresh Coriander (⅓–½ packed cup)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil
- 50g Yoghurt (¼ cup)
- Freshly chopped coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 2-3cm (~1 inch) cubes.
- Finely chop the coriander.
- Peel the garlic and mash it into a paste, adding a pinch of salt to help.
- Peel and grate the ginger, mixing it with all marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers when ready.
- Preheat the grill to its hottest setting.
- Grill the skewers for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 73°C or 165°F.
- For air frying, spray the basket with oil and cook at 200°C or 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For oven cooking, preheat to 220°C or 450°F (or 200°C or 400°F for fan-assisted) and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- For BBQ, sear on direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until cooked through.
Notes
Serve hot with pita bread, naan, or rice, and consider a yogurt-based sauce or chutney for enhanced flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, kebab, tikka, Indian recipe, grilling