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Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Raita

Yields8 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time40 mins

Juicy pieces of chicken marinated in a vibrant yogurt and spice blend, grilled or roasted to smoky perfection, and served with a cooling cucumber-mint raita. A modern twist on a North Indian classic.

Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Raita

For the Tandoori Chicken
 1.10 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
 1 cup Greek yogurt
 2 tbsp lemon juice
 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each minced)
 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp ground coriander
 1 tsp turmeric
 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder
 ½ tsp garam masala
 Salt, to taste
 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for grilling)
 Optional: a few drops of red food coloring (for traditional color)
For the Raita
 1 cup Greek yogurt
 ½ cup cucumber, grated and drained
 1 tbsp mint, finely chopped
 1 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
 ½ tsp cumin powder
 Salt to taste
 Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Marinate the Chicken
1

  1. In a bowl, combine:

    • Yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste

    • All spices, salt, and oil

  2. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.

  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.

Prepare the Raita
2

  1. Mix all raita ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

  2. Chill until ready to serve.

Cook the Skewers
3

  1. Thread marinated chicken onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.

  2. Grill over medium-high heat (BBQ or grill pan) for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.

    • Alternatively, bake at 220°C / 425°F for 12–15 min, then broil for 1–2 minutes.

  3. Rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve
4

  • Serve hot skewers on a platter with raita in a small bowl.

  • Garnish with lime wedges, sliced red onion, and fresh cilantro.

Variations
5

  • Use paneer or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option.

  • Add chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.

  • Serve with naan chips or pickled onions on the side.

Pairing Suggestions
6

  • Wine: Off-dry Riesling, rosé, or lightly oaked Chardonnay

  • Beer: Mango wheat beer or a crisp lager

  • NA: Spiced lemonade or cucumber-mint cooler

Nutrition Facts

8 servings

Serving size