1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result, or chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Both cuts will work well for this recipe.

Place the chicken cubes in a large bowl, and set aside while you prepare the marinade.

2. Make the Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These ingredients form the base of the marinade, giving the chicken a rich, tangy, and aromatic flavor.

To the yogurt mixture, add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste. The spices create the signature flavor of Chicken Tikka, and the yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring that it stays juicy and flavorful after cooking.

Whisk the marinade ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Marinating the chicken for longer allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply, but even 1 hour will result in flavorful chicken.

4. Prepare the Vegetables (Optional)

If you’re adding vegetables to the skewers, now is the time to prepare them. Cut the red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini into large chunks. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. These vegetables will add color and texture to the skewers, complementing the spiced chicken.

5. Preheat the Grill or Oven

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C), or if you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using an outdoor grill, make sure to oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.

If using skewers, ensure they are either metal or wooden (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning).

6. Assemble the Skewers

Once the chicken is properly marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with the prepared vegetables if using. For an attractive presentation, aim for a mix of chicken and veggies on each skewer. This also helps the chicken cook evenly, as the vegetables can provide moisture.

If you prefer to cook the chicken without vegetables, you can simply thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers and skip this step.

7. Cook the Chicken Tikka Skewers

• Grilling: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be slightly charred on the outside, with a tender and juicy interior.

• Oven-Baking: If you prefer to bake the chicken, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the edges are slightly crisp. You can also broil the skewers for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a charred effect similar to grilling.

Be sure to monitor the chicken closely while it cooks to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry.

8. Serve the Chicken Tikka Skewers

Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the Chicken Tikka Skewers with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of tangy freshness.

These skewers can be enjoyed on their own, or served with naan, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.