If you love bold flavors with a smoky char, Grilled Chicken Tikka Kabab is your perfect dish! Marinated in aromatic spices and creamy yogurt, these kababs are juicy, slightly tangy, and packed with heat. Whether you're looking for Easy Iftar Recipes or a flavorful chicken starter recipe, this dish delivers every time. Serve it with mint chutney and naan for an unbeatable meal!
Grilled Chicken Tikka Kabab
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Grill or grill pan If you don’t have a charcoal grill, use an oven broiler or stovetop grill pan
Metal or Bamboo Skewers If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
Mixing bowls For marination
Tongs To flip the kababs
Basting brush Helps in applying butter for extra juiciness
For the Marinade
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes
- ½ cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp chaat masala
- 1 tbsp mustard oil or any vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp gram flour optional, for binding
- Salt to taste
For Grilling
- 1 tbsp butter or oil for basting
- 1 onion cut into rings (for garnish)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices. Add gram flour and mustard oil for richness. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill the Kababs
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and charred at the edges. Baste with butter in the final minutes.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Remove from the grill and let the kababs rest for a minute. Garnish with onion rings and coriander, and serve with mint chutney.
What to Pair with Chicken Tikka Kabab?
- Side Dish: Serve with garlic naan or jeera rice.
- Sauce: A refreshing mint yogurt dip or spicy tamarind chutney pairs perfectly.
- Drink: Try a cooling mango lassi or masala chai.
FAQs
1. What kind of chicken should I use?
For the juiciest results, chicken thigh recipes work best, as thighs stay moist while grilling. However, chicken breast can be used but may need extra basting.
2. Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for an extra 2 minutes for charred edges.
3. How is this different from Seekh Kabab?
While Seekh Kabab is made with minced meat shaped around skewers, Chicken Tikka Kabab uses whole boneless pieces marinated and grilled.
4. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for paneer, mushrooms, or tofu for a delicious Veg Kabab Recipe alternative.
5. What other kabab recipes can I try?
If you love kababs, try Shami Kabab Recipe, Chicken Seekh Kebab Recipe, or even a spiced Chapli Kabab Recipe. They make excellent lunch ideas and iftar recipes too!
