Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious dish that brings the flavors of Indian cuisine right to your table. This dish features marinated chicken pieces, grilled to perfection and bursting with spices. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making Chicken Tikka Kebab at home allows you to enjoy this popular dish any time you want! You can adjust the spices to suit your taste and control the marination time for maximum flavor. Plus, grilling the chicken gives it a lovely smoky taste that is hard to resist.
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, using a pinch of salt to help.
- Peel and grate the ginger. Mix it with all the other marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and stir well to coat all pieces. Cover and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them for half an hour before cooking.
- When ready, thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat the grill to its hottest setting.
- Cook the kebabs under the grill for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F.
- For electric grills, charring can be enhanced using a blow torch.
- If using an air fryer, spray the basket with oil, place 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 (200°C or 400°F for fan-assisted). Place kebabs on a wire rack over a baking tray and cook for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F.
- For BBQ lovers, heat the grill with both direct and indirect heat zones. Sear the kebabs over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F.

Chicken Tikka Kebab
A delicious dish featuring marinated chicken pieces, grilled to perfection and bursting with spices, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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 (â…“–½ Packed Cup) Fresh Coriander, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 50g (¼ Cup) Yoghurt
- Freshly chopped coriander for Garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 2-3cm (~1″) cubes.
- Finely chop the coriander.
- Peel the garlic and mash it into a paste with a pinch of salt.
- Peel and grate the ginger; mix it with all other marinade ingredients.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and stir well to coat all pieces. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them for half an hour before cooking.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat the grill to its hottest setting.
- Cook the kebabs under the grill for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F.
- For electric grills, enhance charring using a blow torch.
- If using an air fryer, spray the basket with oil, place 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; place kebabs on a wire rack over a baking tray and cook for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F.
- For BBQ, heat the grill with direct and indirect heat; sear the kebabs over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor; adjust chili powder based on spice preference.
- Prep Time: 240 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to serve Chicken Tikka Kebab
Serve the Chicken Tikka Kebab hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander. They make a great appetizer or can be served with naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also provide chutneys and yogurt on the side for dipping.
How to store Chicken Tikka Kebab
To store leftovers, let the kebabs cool and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill before serving.
Tips to make Chicken Tikka Kebab
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice preference.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are of even size for even cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers and onions. For a vegetarian option, use paneer or tofu instead of chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A: Yes, you can use lamb, beef, or fish. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein used.
Q: Is it necessary to marinate for 24 hours?
A: While 24 hours enhances the flavor, marinating for at least 4 hours is sufficient.
Q: Can I make Chicken Tikka Kebab ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead and cook it when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a simple and tasty dish that is sure to impress anyone at your table. With just a bit of marinating and proper grilling, you can enjoy the bold flavors of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your home. Give this recipe a try for your next meal!
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.




