These tandoori-inspired oven chicken skewers are a flavorful and simple dish that brings the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine into your home. Marinated with aromatic spices and yogurt, these tender chicken skewers are baked in the oven for a healthier twist on the traditional tandoori cooking method. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these chicken skewers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons tandoori masala spice mix
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well to make a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Place the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake the skewers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the tandoori-inspired oven chicken skewers hot with your choice of raita, naan bread, or rice.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Tandoori cooking is a traditional method of cooking in a clay oven called a tandoor, which gives the food a unique smoky flavor.
The vibrant red color of tandoori chicken comes from the use of red chili powder or paprika in the marinade.
Traditionally, tandoori chicken is made using a whole chicken that is marinated and cooked in the tandoor oven, but this recipe uses boneless chicken for convenience.
Yogurt is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and add a creamy texture to the dish.
Tandoori chicken is a popular dish in Indian cuisine and is often served with mint chutney and onion slices as garnish.