The aroma of spice-laden marinated chicken wafting through the air can transport me straight to a summer barbecue, where friends gather and laughter mingles with the sizzle of the grill. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers, a dish that beautifully balances deep flavors and tender chicken thighs. This easy grilling recipe not only offers a quick prep time but also pairs perfectly with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce that your taste buds will adore. With each skewer boasting a deliciously charred exterior and juicy morsels awaiting your bite, these skewers are bound to be a hit at your next cookout. So, are you ready to elevate your summer grilling game? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why are these skewers a must-try?

Flavor explosion: The vibrant spices in the marinade elevate every bite of chicken, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.

Easy to make: With only a few simple ingredients, the preparation is quick and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or friends, these Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers are sure to impress, especially when paired with a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce.

Versatile options: Feel free to mix things up! You can use different proteins or add fresh veggies, like bell peppers, onto the skewers for added color and nutrition.

Perfect for meal prep: These skewers hold up well in the fridge, allowing you to prepare ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week! Consider pairing them with a Chicken Avocado Melt for a delightful lunch option.

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers Ingredients

For the Marinade
• Plain Yogurt – Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the chicken; Greek yogurt can be a thicker alternative.
• Garlic – Provides depth of flavor and aroma; fresh garlic enhances taste, powdered can substitute in a pinch.
• Fresh Ginger – Adds warmth and a hint of spiciness; could replace with ground ginger if needed.
• Smoked Paprika – Brings a smoky flavor to the marinade; regular paprika may substitute but will lack smokiness.
• Ground Coriander – Offers a citrusy, herbal note essential for authentic flavor; ground cumin can serve as a substitute.
• Ground Cumin – Imparts a warm, earthy taste; can double with coriander if unavailable.
• Ground Turmeric – Adds distinctive color and health benefits; no direct substitute, but omit if needed.
• Ground Cloves – Provides a warm, sweet flavor; allspice can be a substitute if required.
• Cayenne Pepper – Adds heat to the marinade; adjust according to spice preference or substitute with chili powder.
• Salt & Pepper – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste.

For the Skewers
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – The primary protein, ensuring tenderness after grilling; can switch to chicken breasts but may require shorter cooking times.

For the Tzatziki Sauce
• Cucumber – Freshness for the tzatziki sauce; substitute with shredded zucchini if desired.
• Lemon Juice – Balances flavors in tzatziki and adds brightness; lime juice can be an alternative.
• Fresh Parsley & Mint – Enhance the freshness and complexity of tzatziki; other herbs like dill can be used instead.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and all the spices until well combined. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for maximum flavor. This crucial step allows the spices to penetrate and tenderize the chicken for the best grilled tandoori chicken skewers.

Step 2: Prepare for Grilling
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and discard the excess marinade. Preheat your grill to 400°F for optimal searing. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to enhance the grilling process. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Grill Chicken
Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, place the chicken skewers on the grates. Grill for approximately 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a beautiful char on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked tandoori chicken.

Step 4: Make Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the creamy tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together finely grated cucumber, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and mint until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This refreshing sauce is the perfect accompaniment for your grilled tandoori chicken skewers.

Step 5: Serve
Once the chicken skewers are cooked through and beautifully charred, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with the creamy tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Revel in the delightful flavors and textures, knowing that your grilled tandoori chicken skewers are a hit!

Make Ahead Options

These Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the flavorful yogurt mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the spices to really deepen, ensuring maximum taste when cooking. Additionally, the tzatziki sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead; simply whisk the ingredients together and refrigerate until serving. For best quality, store the chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to grill, just thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill them for about 6-8 minutes on a preheated grill. This saves you precious time on busy weeknights, giving you deliciously flavorful skewers with minimal effort!

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these skewers to fit your taste buds!

Lean Option: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a healthier twist, but remember, they’ll need less grilling time. Juicy and tender is the goal!
Seafood Delight: Swap in shrimp or salmon for an exciting alternative that cooks quickly and adds a different flavor profile. They grill beautifully and add a wonderful depth to your BBQ spread.
Veggie Skewers: Add bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a pop of color and extra nutrition. This not only boosts the vibrancy of the plate but also creates a deliciously earthy flavor contrast.
Spice It Up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick, or toss in some chopped jalapeños for a fresh heat. Your taste buds will dance with joy!
Sweet Twist: Marinate chunks of pineapple alongside the chicken to add a touch of sweetness. Grilled pineapple becomes caramelized, complementing the rich spices beautifully.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt instead of plain yogurt in the marinade for a creamy, dairy-free option without losing moisture or taste. It’ll introduce a subtle tropical flavor, too!
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like fresh dill or cilantro in your tzatziki sauce for a unique flavor profile that brightens up the entire dish. Each herb offers its own freshness, making every bite a tad different.
Sizzling Marinades: If you’re feeling adventurous, try including soy sauce in the marinade for an umami boost that marries well with the tandoori spices. It creates a delightful savory richness, especially when complemented with the tangy tzatziki sauce.

Let your culinary imagination roam, and you’ll discover new favorite versions of these beloved grilled tandoori chicken skewers! For more delightful ideas, consider trying these complementary recipes: Gnocchi Chicken Pot or Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

Expert Tips for Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers

• Marinade Magic: Longer marination (up to 12 hours) deeply infuses flavor, making every bite delectable. Don’t rush this vital step!

• Prep for the Grill: Always pat chicken dry before grilling. This ensures a better sear and avoids steaming, resulting in those desirable charred bits.

• Check the Heat: Use a kitchen thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally. This is crucial for safe and juicy grilled tandoori chicken skewers.

• Veggie Additions: Feeling creative? Thread colorful vegetables like bell peppers or red onions onto the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.

• Skipping the Grill?: You can broil the skewers in the oven if grilling isn’t an option. Just keep an eye on them!

How to Store and Freeze Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Fridge: Store leftover grilled tandoori chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing those delicious flavors to meld even more.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep!

Reheating: Thaw frozen skewers in the fridge overnight and reheat on a grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through. This maintains the juicy, flavorful essence of your grilled tandoori chicken skewers.

Tzatziki Storage: Store the creamy tzatziki sauce separately in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container to keep it fresh and zesty for dipping!

What to Serve with Best Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Elevate your grilling experience by pairing your skewers with delightful sides and refreshing accompaniments.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery delights offer a comforting contrast to the spicy chicken, making each bite satisfyingly rich.
Crisp Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad provides a cool crunch, balancing the warm, spiced chicken beautifully.
Lemon Rice: The zesty notes of lemon rice complement the tandoori’s bold flavors, while the fluffy texture enhances your meal’s overall appeal.
Grilled Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, and corn add vibrant colors and their own smoky sweetness, creating a wonderful contrast in flavors.
Pita Bread: Soft pita is perfect for wrapping around the chicken skewers and tzatziki, allowing for a delightful hand-held experience.
Mint Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy, this beverage offers cool relief paired with the spiciness of the skewers, quenching your thirst beautifully.
Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed side with herbs and spices that not only fills you up but also adds an earthy note to your meal.
Baklava: For dessert, this sweet, flaky pastry drizzled in honey offers a perfect ending, leaving your taste buds in bliss!

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers Recipe FAQs

How should I choose ripe ingredients for the marinade?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients for the marinade, choose fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Look for garlic with firm, unblemished skins and ginger that is smooth and plump without any soft spots. For the yogurt, opt for plain yogurt without added sugars or flavors—this helps the spices shine through.

How should I store the leftover skewers?
You can store leftover grilled tandoori chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing to avoid excess moisture buildup. This allows you to enjoy the mouthwatering flavors even on busy days!

Can I freeze the grilled tandoori chicken skewers?
Very! To freeze your grilled tandoori chicken skewers, first allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on a grill or in a skillet until heated through.

What if my chicken is coming out dry after grilling?
If your chicken is turning out dry, this can happen for a few reasons. First, ensure you’re not overcooking the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, marinate your chicken for longer—aim for at least 6-12 hours to lock in moisture. Patting the chicken dry before grilling helps with creating the right char and prevents steaming, too!

Are there any dietary considerations for the tzatziki sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re considering dietary restrictions, you can make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt alternative. For those with allergies, read labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination as some brands may process in facilities that handle common allergens like nuts or soy. Always check for fresh herbs to ensure no allergies affect your loved ones!