Name: Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491374H36M5S
Total time: PT-491374H36M5S
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 (optional, see notes); 1 Lemon (juice only); 1 tbsp Tomato puree; 50 g Natural yoghurt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with a vibrant and flavour-packed classic with this Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe. The tender chicken pieces are marinated in a delightful blend of spices and creamy yoghurt, then cooked to juicy perfection using your favourite method—whether that’s the quick air fryer, smoky grill, reliable oven, or backyard BBQ. This dish bursts with rich, warm flavours and a beautiful red hue, making it a standout at any meal or gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and a white plate arranged on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl filled with raw pink chicken pieces. Next to it is a smaller white bowl with a smooth, white creamy sauce. Below, there is a small white bowl with a thick red paste, another with a yellow liquid, and a third containing a mix of salt and black pepper. The white plate holds nine piles of different powdered spices in various colors including dark brown, light brown, reddish-brown, orange, and pale yellow, arranged in a loose circle. All items are neatly placed with clear space between them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet absolutely essential for capturing the authentic taste and texture of tandoori chicken. Each spice brings its unique warmth and depth, the yoghurt tenderizes the chicken perfectly, and a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up for that irresistible tang.

650 g Chicken breast (Approx x4 breasts | Diced): Choose fresh, quality chicken breasts for the best tenderness and flavour.
1 tsp Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy warmth that complements the other spices.
1 tsp Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, smoky base to the marinade.
2 tsp Paprika: Offers sweet peppery notes and vibrant colour.
1/2 tsp Turmeric: Infuses a subtle golden colour and mild earthiness.
1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon: Adds unexpected warmth and a touch of sweetness.
1 tsp Ground ginger: Gives a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
1 tsp Garlic granules: For that unmistakable garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
1/2 tsp Chilli powder (Optional): Adjust this according to your preferred spice level.
1.5 tsp Salt: Essential to balance and enhance all other flavours.
1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, subtle heat.
Red food colouring: Traditional for that bright red tandoori look (use sparingly!).
1 Lemon (Juice only): Provides acidity that tenderizes and freshens the marinade.
1 tbsp Tomato puree: Gives richness and a slight tang to the marinade.
50 g Natural yoghurt: The base for marinating, creating juicy, tender chicken.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Coat the Chicken

Begin by combining all the spices, tomato puree, lemon juice, red food colouring, and natural yoghurt in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, fragrant marinade. Add your diced chicken pieces into this bowl and toss them around until each chunk is fully coated. This marinade is the magic behind the succulent and flavourful chicken you’re about to enjoy.

Step 2: Marinate with Patience

Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator. If you can, leave it for at least an hour to allow the spices to penetrate fully; overnight marinating makes the flavors sing even louder. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and amps up the taste sensationally.

Step 3: Thread Chicken onto Skewers

Once marinated, it’s time to thread those gorgeous pieces onto skewers. This step is fun and gets you ready for cooking. Be sure to leave a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate evenly during cooking, resulting in perfectly charred edges and juicy centers.

Step 4: Cooking Options for Perfect Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe

Now, choose your favourite cooking method—each one offers a slightly different experience and flavor.

Air Fryer

Place the skewers carefully into your air fryer basket, spray the chicken lightly with oil to encourage browning, and cook at 220℃ fan/240℃/Gas Mark 9/400F for 15-20 minutes. Turning halfway ensures even cooking. Keep an eye on the thickness of your pieces and check with a thermometer for juicy perfection.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 180℃ fan/200℃/Gas Mark 6/350F fan. Lay the skewers on a baking sheet, ideally on a grill rack to promote even cooking. Spray with oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is no longer pink inside.

BBQ

For that smoky backyard vibe, place the skewers on your BBQ rack, brush lightly with oil, and grill for 15-20 minutes. Turning the skewers halfway through helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and juicy results. Cooking times can vary depending on your BBQ’s heat, so use a meat thermometer to be sure.

Grill

Set your grill tray under a high heat. Lay on the skewers, grill for 15-20 minutes, and turn them halfway. This method crisps up the edges and locks in the marinade’s spices perfectly.

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

A white plate filled with a layer of cooked white rice as the base, topped with a layer of reddish-brown grilled chicken pieces scattered with chopped green herbs. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially on the rice and chicken. Around the plate, there are small bowls; one contains green lime slices, another has chopped greens, and a third has a white sauce with herbs. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin to the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes transform your tandoori chicken from dinner to something truly irresistible. Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander for an herbal brightness or scatter finely sliced red onions soaked briefly in lemon juice for an added tang. A dollop of cooling raita or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings everything into beautiful balance.

Side Dishes

Serve your skewers alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the wonderful juices. A crisp cucumber salad or a refreshing mango chutney adds a pleasant contrast, balancing the bold spices with cool, fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn these skewers into a festive platter? Arrange them on a large board with bowls of chutney, raita, and sliced fresh vegetables for a communal eating experience. They also make fantastic wraps—pack the juicy chicken into flatbreads with fresh herbs and sauces for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days. The chicken retains its flavor well, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers in a freezer-safe container or wrap individually in foil and place in a zip-lock bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, preserving most of their juicy texture and spices.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 160℃/320F until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken. Alternatively, pop them into an air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of that lovely crispness on the outside.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving when cooking and tend to stay juicier. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is the red food colouring necessary?

It’s traditional and gives the classic tandoori appearance, but you can skip it without affecting the delicious flavour of the dish.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least one hour is great for flavor, but overnight marination is best if you want deeply infused spices and tender meat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients shown are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on items like tomato puree and spices to be sure.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No worries! You can cook the chicken pieces directly in a baking dish or air fryer basket. Just turn them occasionally for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, Oven & BBQ) Recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Its bold spices, vibrant colour, and adaptable cooking methods make it truly a favorite worth having in your recipe collection. Give it a go—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is!