Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into cubes
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan) (optional, for better coating)
For Grilling:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil (for basting)
- Skewers (if using an oven or grill)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced onions
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, salt, paprika, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, black pepper, fenugreek leaves, and gram flour.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) for deeper flavor.
Preheat the Cooking Method:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and grease it lightly.
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Chicken:
- Oven: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, place them on the tray, and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for the last 2 minutes for a charred effect.
- Grill: Cook on skewers for 10–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Baste for Extra Flavor:
- While cooking, baste the chicken with melted butter or oil for added juiciness.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and sliced onions.
- Serve with mint chutney or raita.
Notes
- For an authentic smoky flavor, place a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl, place it in the center of the chicken, and drizzle a teaspoon of oil over it. Cover immediately and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Can be served as a starter or used in wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg