If you’re craving big flavor with minimal effort, these Quick Chicken Tikka Skewers are your new weeknight go-to. Whether you use pre-marinated chicken or make a simple spice mix at home, they deliver bold, smoky flavor with barely any prep.

Cooking them on skewers means faster cooking and easy serving—plus, it’s just more fun to eat food on a stick. Serve them over fluffy rice, with salad on the side, or wrap them in warm naan for a hands-on dinner the whole family can customize.

Even picky eaters get on board with these. They’re mild enough to suit all tastes but still taste exciting, and the colorful build-your-own format makes dinner feel like an activity, not a chore.

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 450–550 calories per serving

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Tikka spice blend or marinade
• Plain yogurt
• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Basmati rice
• Mixed salad or cucumber-tomato mix
• Naan bread

Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken with tikka seasoning, yogurt, and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Skewer and Cook: Thread onto skewers and grill or bake until charred and cooked through.
• Prepare the Sides: Cook rice, warm naan, and toss together a simple salad.
• Serve and Enjoy: Plate skewers with rice, salad, and a dollop of yogurt or raita.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap Chicken: Use tofu or paneer for a vegetarian twist.
• Spice Level: Add chili powder for more heat or keep it mild for kids.
• Serving Style: Wrap in naan for easy handheld wraps or bowl it with rice.
• Grill-Free Option: Bake in the oven if you don’t have a grill or griddle.

What Equipment You’ll Need

• Grill pan or baking sheet
• Skewers (metal or soaked wooden)
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Storage & Reheating Guidelines

• Storage: Store skewers, rice, and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  Reheating: Gently reheat skewers and rice in a microwave or skillet. Serve salad and yogurt cold.

Top Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook skewers in batches for even charring.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken the night before to maximize flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Squeeze lemon over the finished skewers to brighten the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use wooden skewers?
  Yes, just soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Is yogurt necessary for the marinade?
  It helps tenderize, but you can use a bit of oil and lemon juice instead.
• Can I make this without skewers?
  Absolutely—just cook the chicken pieces directly on a baking tray or grill pan.

Related Recipes

• Mild Chicken Curry: All the flavor, none of the heat—this creamy curry is a winner for kids and spice-wary adults alike.
• Chicken Fajita Tray Bake: Another no-fuss, bold-flavor meal with easy prep and a build-your-own serving style.

Food Safety Guidelines

• Cook to Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Use Separate Tools: Always use a clean plate and tongs for cooked chicken.
• Store Quickly: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.