Name: Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-493796H36M9S
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 650 g Chicken breast (Approx 4 breasts, diced); 1 tsp Ground coriander; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 2 tsp Paprika; 1/2 tsp Turmeric; 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon; 1 tsp Ground ginger; 1 tsp Garlic granules; 1/2 tsp Chilli powder (Optional); 1.5 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper; Red food colouring (See notes); 1 Lemon (juice only); 1 tbsp Tomato puree; 50 g Natural yoghurt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Infused with traditional Indian spices and cooked to juicy perfection, these skewers boast a beautiful color and a smoky, tangy flavor that makes every bite a celebration. Whether you prefer the convenience of the air fryer, the charred aroma from the grill, the even roasting of the oven, or the outdoor charm of the BBQ, this recipe adapts to all. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser sure to become a staple at your meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view shows six white bowls and plates with different ingredients on a white marbled surface. The biggest bowl at the top left is filled with light pink raw chicken pieces. To the right of it, a small white bowl contains smooth white yogurt. Below, four smaller white bowls hold bright red tomato paste, clear golden olive oil, a mix of black pepper and white salt, and pale yellow lemon juice. At the bottom right, a white plate displays eight small piles of colorful spices arranged in a circle, including shades of red, brown, yellow, and beige, with powdery and granular textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Preparing the marinade and chicken for these skewers is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding layers of aroma, color, and taste that bring this dish alive.

650 g Chicken breast (Approx x4 breasts | Diced): The lean protein base that soaks up all the flavorful spices beautifully.
1 tsp Ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy and nutty flavor, essential for authentic tandoori taste.
1 tsp Ground cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness to the spice blend.
2 tsp Paprika: Contributes a smoky sweetness and vibrant red hue.
1/2 tsp Turmeric: Offers a golden color and a gentle, bitter undertone.
1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon: Introduces a hint of sweet warmth that rounds out the spices.
1 tsp Ground ginger: Adds a zingy freshness and mild heat.
1 tsp Garlic granules: For deep, savory notes that enrich the marinade.
1/2 tsp Chilli powder (Optional): Gives your skewers a spicy kick to your preference.
1.5 tsp Salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, peppery warmth.
Red food colouring (See notes): Traditional for that classic tandoori color; optional but visually impactful.
1 Lemon (Juice only): Brightens the marinade with zesty acidity and tenderizes the chicken.
1 tbsp Tomato puree: Deepens the color and adds a mild sweetness.
50 g Natural yoghurt: The creamy base that tenderizes chicken and balances spices.

How to Make Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining all the spices – ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, garlic granules, chilli powder, salt, and black pepper – with the natural yoghurt, tomato puree, lemon juice, and food coloring if using. Mix everything into a smooth, fragrant paste packed with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your diced chicken breast pieces to the marinade and thoroughly coat each chunk. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge, allowing the spices to infuse deeply and tenderize the chicken. A good marination time is at least 1 hour, but overnight will give the best flavor and juiciness.

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

Once the chicken is marinated, carefully thread the pieces onto skewers. Make sure not to crowd too tightly to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Step 4: Cooking Method Choices

Here comes the fun part! This Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to cooking techniques, so let’s break down each option:

Air Fryer

Place the skewers inside the air fryer basket and give the tops a light spray of oil to encourage browning. Set your air fryer to 220℃ fan/240℃/Gas Mark 9/400F and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. Timing varies with chunk size, so use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 75℃ internally.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 180℃ fan/200℃/Gas Mark 6/350F fan. Lay your skewers on a baking sheet, ideally on a raised grill rack to allow heat circulation. Lightly spray the top with oil for a beautiful crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and juicy.

BBQ

For that irresistible smoky flavor, place your skewers directly on the BBQ rack and spray tops with oil. Grill on medium-high for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until no pink remains and the juices run clear. The real art is balancing heat, so keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t dry out.

Grill

Place skewers on a grill tray under a high heat grill. Spray tops lightly with oil and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping once. The grill’s intense direct heat makes for tasty, slightly crispy edges that everyone loves.

How to Serve Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe

A white plate with a dark blue rim holds a serving of white rice as the bottom layer, fluffy with individual grains visible. On top of the rice, there is a layer of grilled, reddish-brown spiced chicken pieces garnished with small bits of green herbs scattered over. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially touching the rice with its prongs. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a white cup containing lime wedges, and parts of other dishes and bowls with green herbs and white sauce are visible around the main plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch is always in the garnishes. Try fresh chopped coriander or mint leaves for a burst of herbal freshness. Thinly sliced red onions add crunch and sharpness, while lemon wedges brighten each bite. A drizzle of cooling raita or a sprinkle of chaat masala can elevate the experience further.

Side Dishes

Pair these flavorful skewers with fragrant basmati rice or cumin-spiced pilaf for a complete meal. Alternatively, a crisp cucumber salad or tangy pickled vegetables balance the heat and richness beautifully. Warm naan or flatbreads are perfect to scoop up any leftover marinade and tender chicken bits.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your skewers over a bed of fresh greens to turn it into a vibrant salad. You can also cut the cooked chicken off the skewers and stuff them into wraps with some tzatziki or chutney for a handheld delight. For dinner party elegance, arrange the skewers on a large platter with colorful vegetable sides and dips, making it perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked tandoori chicken skewers in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer them to freezer bags once solid. They keep well for up to 2 months. Marinated raw chicken can also be frozen before cooking, which is handy for quick meal prep later.

Reheating

For the best texture and taste when reheating, gently warm skewers in a preheated oven at 160℃ fan for 10-15 minutes or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and lose some of its tandoori charm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, which many people prefer. The cooking time may be slightly longer due to the denser meat.

Is the red food colouring necessary?

Not at all. The food colouring is traditional to achieve that classic tandoori redness, but you can skip it and still have delicious and visually appealing skewers thanks to the spices.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

The minimum is 1 hour, but marinating overnight in the fridge yields the most tender and flavorful results.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can swap chicken for firm paneer cubes or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. The same marinade works beautifully.

What is the best way to check if the chicken is cooked thoroughly?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75℃. Alternatively, cut into the thickest piece and check there’s no pink and that juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe enough. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests, it delivers authentic flavor with simple prep and flexible cooking methods. Give it a try, and your taste buds will thank you every time.