Kebabs are often synonymous with summer grilling, but the joy of these marinated skewers isn’t limited to warm weather. Our Chicken Tikka Kebabs are designed for year-round enjoyment, offering the flexibility to be either baked in your oven or grilled outdoors. The rich, robust flavor profile comes from a carefully selected medley of spices that harmoniously combine with the refreshing creaminess of Greek yogurt. This combination not only imparts incredible taste but also plays a crucial role in tenderizing the chicken, ensuring each piece remains moist and flavorful.

This recipe takes inspiration from traditional chicken tikka, presenting it in a convenient and delightful kebab form. The yogurt in the marinade acts as a protective layer, helping the spices cling to the chicken, while its natural acids work to break down the proteins, resulting in incredibly tender meat. You’ll savor the complexity of spices like fragrant paprika, earthy garam masala, pungent cumin powder, bright coriander powder, a touch of heat from cayenne pepper, and the golden hue of turmeric. These ingredients unite to create an unforgettable flavor experience that elevates simple chicken to a gourmet dish.

One of the best aspects of these chicken tikka skewers is their adaptability. You can easily customize them by incorporating a variety of additional vegetables directly onto the skewers. Imagine adding hearty mushrooms, tender eggplant, sweet cherry tomatoes, or crisp onions to create a more colorful and nutrient-rich meal. This makes them not just delicious but also a fantastic way to utilize whatever fresh produce you have on hand.

If you’re a fan of flavorful skewered dishes, you’ll also love exploring other delicious recipes like my Lebanese Chicken Kebabs, savory Beef Kafta Kabobs, zesty Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs, succulent Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, incredibly tender Yogurt Marinated Chicken, flavorful Turkey Kofta Kebab, or these delightful Chicken Kofta Kebabs. Each offers a unique taste journey, but the Chicken Tikka Kebabs remain a vibrant, spice-filled favorite.

Why You Will Love This Chicken Tikka Skewers Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these Chicken Tikka Kebabs for a multitude of reasons. They offer a perfect blend of convenience, customization, and incredible flavor, making them a standout dish for any occasion:

• Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Forget complicated recipes! These kebabs are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal hands-on time. The process involves combining all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, tossing the chicken to coat it thoroughly, and then letting it rest to absorb those wonderful flavors. Once marinated, threading the chicken and vegetables onto skewers is quick, followed by a straightforward baking process in the oven. Their rapid cooking time makes them an ideal choice for a delicious and healthy mid-week dinner, perfect for busy schedules.
• Remarkably Versatile Recipe: The beauty of these skewers lies in their flexibility. While bell peppers add a fantastic crunch and color, you’re encouraged to get creative with your vegetable choices. Consider adding chunks of red onion, vibrant bell peppers of any color, earthy mushrooms, or fresh zucchini to your skewers. This versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to your personal preferences or whatever fresh produce is seasonal and available, ensuring a new experience every time you make them.
• Excellent for Meal-Prep: These Chicken Tikka Kebabs are a meal-prepper’s dream. You can easily prepare a larger batch on the weekend, allowing you to enjoy flavorful, healthy meals throughout the busy workweek. The marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking, or the cooked kebabs can be stored and reheated for quick lunches or dinners. This makes healthy eating incredibly convenient and accessible, saving you precious time during the week.
• Bursting with Authentic Flavors: The marinade is a carefully balanced symphony of traditional Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, complemented by the tang of Greek yogurt and lemon. This combination delivers a depth of flavor that is both exotic and comforting, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience that truly tastes authentic.
• Healthy and Lean: Made with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, these kebabs offer a nutritious meal option. The baking or grilling methods minimize added fats, making them a healthier alternative to many other dishes. They are rich in protein, essential vitamins, and fiber, contributing to a well-balanced diet.

Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create these irresistible Chicken Tikka Kebabs. Exact measurements are available in the full recipe card further down the page.

• Chicken: For this recipe, I’ve opted for tender chicken tenderloins, which are naturally lean and cook quickly. However, boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into even 1-inch cubes works just as beautifully, providing a firm yet juicy texture. If you prefer a richer flavor and even more moisture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. The key is to cut the chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Peppers: I like using a colorful combination of red bell peppers and green bell peppers for visual appeal and a balanced sweetness. However, any color bell pepper (yellow or orange) will work perfectly. Feel free to use a single color or mix them up to your liking. Other vegetables such as zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even small chunks of red onion can be added or substituted.
• Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt is my top recommendation for this marinade. Its thick consistency adheres wonderfully to the chicken, creating a rich coating for the spices. More importantly, its natural tang and acidity are crucial for tenderizing the chicken and imparting that classic tikka flavor. If Greek yogurt isn’t available, regular plain full-fat yogurt can be used, though you might want to drain some of its whey to achieve a thicker consistency. For a dairy-free option, a thick coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt can be a suitable substitute, just ensure it’s plain and unsweetened.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is vital for both flavor and function. It adds a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness of the spices and yogurt. Crucially, the acidity of lemon juice further aids in tenderizing the chicken, ensuring a moist and succulent result. While lemon is essential, be mindful not to marinate for more than 2 hours if using a high concentration of lemon juice, as prolonged exposure can start to break down the meat too much, making it mushy. Lime juice can be used as a substitute if fresh lemons are unavailable.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is incorporated into the marinade to add a layer of herbaceous freshness and a subtle peppery note. I also reserve some freshly chopped parsley for garnishing the cooked kebabs, which adds a beautiful pop of color and an aromatic finish. Fresh cilantro is another excellent herb that complements the Indian spices wonderfully and can be used interchangeably or in addition to parsley.
• Spices: This is where the magic happens! The marinade boasts a harmonious blend of ground spices:
  • Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet, and smoky flavor, along with a beautiful red color.
  • Garam Masala: A quintessential Indian spice blend that adds warmth, complexity, and a distinct aromatic profile.
  • Cumin Powder: Earthy, warm, and slightly pungent, it’s a cornerstone of Indian cuisine.
  • Coriander Powder: Offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor that balances the other spices.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level – omit for mild, or increase for spicier kebabs.
  • Turmeric: Known for its vibrant yellow color and earthy, slightly bitter notes, it also offers numerous health benefits.
  • Black Pepper and Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.

How to Make Chicken Tikka Kebabs

Creating these flavorful Chicken Tikka Kebabs is a straightforward process, broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps. Whether you choose to bake or grill, the foundation for deliciousness starts here.

Step 1. Prepare Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, it is crucial to soak them in cold water for at least 20 to 30 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning and charring excessively during the cooking process, whether in the oven or on the grill, ensuring your kebabs cook evenly and safely.

Step 2. Chop Vegetables: Begin by washing and preparing your vegetables. Cube the red and green bell peppers into uniform 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Consistent sizing of the vegetables and chicken pieces is important for even cooking. This step ensures that every ingredient cooks through at roughly the same rate.

Step 3. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (reserving the remaining for garnish), paprika, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the rich, fragrant marinade. This ensures maximum flavor penetration.

Step 4. Allow for Marinade: Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize. For the absolute best results and deepest flavor, aim for a marinating time of 4 to 6 hours. However, do not exceed 8 hours, especially with lemon juice in the marinade, as prolonged exposure can make the chicken texture undesirable.

Step 5. Assemble the Skewers: Once the chicken is marinated, thread the chicken pieces and cubed bell peppers alternately onto the soaked wooden skewers (or metal skewers if using). Arrange them neatly, making sure not to overcrowd the skewers, as this allows for better air circulation and even cooking. Place the assembled skewers onto two large 9×13-inch baking sheets lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 6. Cook the Kebabs (Baking Method): Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place the baking sheets with the skewers into the preheated oven and cook for 7 minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully flip the chicken skewers over to their second side and continue cooking for an additional 7-9 minutes. The total cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces and your oven. To ensure the chicken is safely and properly cooked through, it should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) when measured with a meat thermometer at its thickest part.

Alternative Cooking Method (Grilling): If you prefer to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the assembled skewers on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 6 minutes per side, rotating periodically, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. Again, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Recipe Modifications & Creative Variations

This Chicken Tikka Kebab recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs, taste preferences, or simply to use ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas for modifications:

• Chicken Cut Options: While chicken tenderloins offer a quick-cooking and lean option, feel free to use other cuts. Cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast is a popular choice for its leanness, while boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat will yield an even juicier and more flavorful kebab due to its higher fat content. Remember to adjust cooking times slightly for different cuts, as thighs typically require a bit longer to cook through.
• Yogurt Alternatives: My recipe calls for full-fat Greek yogurt due to its superior flavor and thick consistency, which makes for an excellent marinade. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, other plain natural yogurts can be used. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut yogurt or almond yogurt can work well, providing a similar tangy base.
• Spice Level Adjustment: The current marinade provides a wonderfully aromatic but mild flavor profile. If you appreciate a bolder kick, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red chili powder to the marinade. For an extra layer of heat, a finely minced fresh green chili can also be added. If you prefer it even milder, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Personalizing Spices: This recipe uses a traditional blend of Indian spices, but your palate is the ultimate guide. If there’s a particular spice you’re not fond of, feel free to reduce its quantity or omit it entirely. You can also experiment with a tiny pinch of cardamom powder or a dash of ginger powder for added depth.
• Bell Pepper Varieties: I’ve specified red and green bell peppers for their vibrant color and sweet-savory balance. However, any color of bell pepper—yellow or orange—will work equally well and contribute to a beautiful, colorful kebab.
• Adding More Vegetables: Beyond bell peppers, these kebabs are fantastic with a wider array of vegetables. Try adding chunks of zucchini, thick slices of red onion, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple for a sweet and savory contrast. Ensure all vegetables are cut into pieces roughly the same size as the chicken for even cooking. For heartier vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, you might want to pre-sauté them lightly before threading to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the chicken.
• Garlic and Ginger: For an even more pungent and authentic flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the marinade along with the minced garlic.