Tandoori Chicken Kabobs

These EASY Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with creamy, refreshing Cilantro Yogurt Dip are AMAZING!  They are wonderfully simple, incomparably juicy, astronomically flavorful, delightfully smokey AND the best part is the marinade does all the work!  They are threaded with juicy, bursting tomatoes, crispy bell peppers and punchy red onions for a meal-in-one that might possibly be the most flavorful chicken kabobs you will ever eat.  ever.  

tandoori chicken kabobs


 

I hope you all had an awesome 4th of July!  I had every intention of posting these incredible Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with Cilantro Yogurt Dip plus the best Spice Rubbed Steak with Herb Butter (coming soon) all before the 4th and was giddy at the thought of you feasting on them with your family and friends but sometimes life doesn’t go as planned.   Instead, I have been in the hospital for over a week with pneumonia with almost constant fevers for over 6 days (finally turned the corner yesterday).  Or in other words, a smelly, nauseous, hot and cold, pathetic limp noodle.

Typically, when I’m hospitalized with pneumonia (due to being immuno-suppressed due to having a lung transplant because of cystic fibrosis), I feel better almost right away and can go home a couple days later to continue IV antibiotics myself.  But after almost 18 years of post-transplant pneumonias, my body isn’t responding as quickly to the now one IV antibiotic I still show sensitivities to.

I’m not going to lie. Its kind of scary.

With less than 50% of lung transplant patients surviving over 10 years, I have always known every single day is precious but this in-your-face wake up call has me rethinking everything.  I just don’t know how much time I have.  None of us really do.

So if you see fewer posts from me a month its because I’m taking more time to cuddle with my sweet husband, more time to snuggle my fur baby, more time saying yes to friends, more time to playing outdoors, more time traveling, simply more time truly living.  And of course, a huge part of living is food, and I love sharing that part with you, but I never want my work to be at the expense of memories.  Memories that will have to last a lifetime, or in my case, outlast my lifetime.  So here’s to making them count!

So for a non-smooth transition, let’s talk these Tandoori Chicken Kabobs!

Patrick isn’t often home when I finish a recipe because I shoot during the day, but he was home for these Tandoori Chicken Kabobs, and we both made the ravenous memory together of devouring these otherwordly Chicken Kabobs.

Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with onions and green peppers.

You have probably seen iconic Tandoori Chicken on the menu of every Indian restaurant – with good reason – when they are done right, they are phenomenal!  Traditional Tandoori Chicken originated from Pakistan (although commonly thought of as from Indian) and is a flavor packed yogurt and spice marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor which is a cylindircal clay oven.

To make Tandoori Chicken at home or for our purposes, these Tandoori  Chicken Kabobs, you thankfully don’t need a tandoor oven, just a traditional oven or grill and they are surprisingly simple – just sit back and let the marinade do all the work!  Tandoori Chicken Kabobs are also a meal-in-one with no need for extra sides but I like to serve with Lemon Rice and naan.

Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with dipping sauce.

The tenderizing, flavor exploding marinade of yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices just requires 2-4 hours to work its magic.  And magic it is.  I can’t emphasize enough how wonderfully flavorful this chicken is without being too spicy.

Showing how to make Tandoori Chicken Kabobs blending herbs in a blender.

After the marinade, all that’s left is to thread and cook your chicken with tomatoes, peppers and onions to create an incomparably juicy, meal-in-one kabob.

Showing how to put vegetables and chicken on a skewer.

Just one quick note on the coloring of these Tandoori Chicken Kabobs.  If you are looking for the fiery red hue often found at Indian restaurants, you won’t get it unless you use food coloring.  Its true Tandoori Chicken gleans some of its red color from fiery red chilies, but the characteristic color cannot be achieved (even admittedly by restaurants) without red food coloring.  I didn’t use any dye in mine, but feel free to add a couple drops of red coloring to the chicken marinade if you wish.

Tandoori Chicken Kabobs next to bread and dipping sauce.

Wonderfully simple, incomparably juicy, astronomically flavorful, delightfully smokey Tandoori Chicken Kabobs.  Definitely a memory maker.  xo

Tandoori Chicken Kabobs over rice.

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Tandoori Chicken Kabobs being dipped in sauce.
REPLACE

Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with Cilantro Yogurt Dip

These EASY Tandoori Chicken Kabobs with creamy, refreshing Cilantro Yogurt Dip are AMAZING!  They are wonderfully simple, incomparably juicy, astronomically flavorful, delightfully smokey AND the best part is the marinade does all the work!  They are threaded with juicy, bursting tomatoes, crispy bell peppers and punchy red onions for a meal-in-one that might possibly be the most flavorful chicken kabobs you will ever eat.  ever.  
Servings: 10 -12 kabobs
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

Chicken Kabobs

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 2 green bell peppers cut into 1 1/2” chunks
  • 3/4 large red onion cut into 1 1/2” chunks
  • salt and pepper
  • olive oil

Marinade

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, chili pwdr, smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp EACH ground coriander, salt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH ground turmeric, cayenne pepper

Cilantro Yogurt Dip

  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons Reserved marinade in directions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  • Cut chicken into 1 ½ inch cubes. Add to a large shallow dish or large freezer bag (whatever you are going to marinate in).
  • Add all of the marinade ingredients to your blender and process until smooth. Add 3 tablespoons marinade to a medium bowl followed by all the Cilantro Yogurt Dip ingredients. Mix to combine, cover and refrigerate.
  • Add all remaining Marinade to chicken and toss to coat. Marinate 2-4 hours (no longer).
  • NOTE: If using wooden skewers, soak for at least 30 minutes in water before grilling or broiling.
  • When ready to cook, add tomatoes, peppers and onions to a large bowl or 9×13 pan and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper and toss to coat.
  • Let excess marinade drip off chicken and thread chicken, peppers, tomatoes and onions onto skewers. Cook kabobs according to directions below.
  • Serve kabobs with Cilantro Yogurt Dip and naan and rice if desired. Serve with additional lemon and cilantro to taste.

TO GRILL

  • Grease grill and heat to medium-high heat. Grill chicken kabobs for approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating a few times until nicely browned and slightly charred on each side and chicken is cooked through (chicken registers 165 degrees F).

TO OVEN BROIL

  • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the chicken kabobs in a single layer and broil, turning every 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through (chicken registers 165 degrees F), about 10- 15 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.

Serve

  • Serve kabobs with Cilantro Yogurt Dip and naan and rice if desired. Serve with additional lemon and cilantro to taste.

Video

Notes

I don’t consider this chicken overly spicy but just very flavorful.  It should be mostly kid friendly as is but you can leave out the cayenne pepper to make it extra safe for the kiddos if desired.

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28 Comments

  1. averie @ averie cooks says

    I can only imagine how scary and hard this past week has been for you! You have been in my thoughts and prayers so much 🙂 And yes, post less! Do more living, less blogging! The chicken of course looks wonderful!

  2. Chantalle says

    Hi Jen, I realy hope you feel better soon. I can’t imagine how scary this must be for you. Hope you can leave the hospital soon, And enjoy the summer with all your loved ones. Wishing you all the best. And thank you for sharing these wonderfull recipes during this difficult time. Lots of love from the Netherlands, Chantalle

  3. Mama V @ Snowflakes & Coffeecakes says

    Jen,
    You gave us all a reminder of just how special and blessed every day is – and to never take anything for granted. I hope that you are feeling better fast and that miracles continue to happen for you. We love your recipes and photos – they are always wonderful!

  4. Kathryn says

    As a retired nurse, I understand the risks you have, but also you made good point that none of us know how long we have. It’s so important to live each day with to the fullest! I wish you many of the memory filled days. Thank you for sharing your passion for cooking with us.

  5. Jane says

    Thank you for sharing. I will pray for you.

  6. Cheryl says

    Please don’t worry about us – there is a lifetime of wonderful recipes on your website, just for the taking. And wonderful reading, too, about your life and faith. Prayers for you for continued peace, love, and if God’s will, complete healing.

  7. Carol says

    Jen,
    It does sound scary! How brave you are! I think it’s wonderful though how you realize how precious every moment is, and it reminds each of us also. Thank you I’m a big fan and you will be in my prayers to be feeling better and having many years of wonderful memories! Keep up the good fight!

  8. Karen says

    We love your recipes but can’t imagine what you’ve been going through. Wishing you a healthy and happy summer! Sending you lots of hugs!

  9. med says

    Jen, I hope you get better quickly. It must be very frightening for you. So many of us take for granted our health, to the point we don’t even think we will die, but like you said, none of us know how long we have. Our bodies are mortal, but our souls are not. God bless you, Jen.

  10. Amber Bretz says

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and we usually have 2-3 of your recipes each week! But more importantly, I have fallen in love with your bubbly, faith-based, up-beat personality. You are truly an inspiration and I will be keeping you in my prayers through this difficult time. Live each day to the fullest! You are a blessing to many and I will be praying God gives you healing so you can enjoy many, many more years of memories!

  11. Kelly says

    Thank you for sharing your love of food and LIFE! You are an inspiration! Savor every minute… sending prayers and love.

  12. Rafia Awais says

    Dear Jen,

    The first thing I did after reading your post was pray for you. I hope and pray you live a long, happy and healthy life with your husband and your loved ones! Ameen!

    I’m from Pakistan and reading the post about Chicken Tikka made me happy (esp the part where you acknowledge that this dish is basically from Pakistan 🙂 )

    Just yesterday, I marinated 12 leg quarters with tikka masala for grilling on Friday! 🙂

    All of your recipes are amazing! My first go to page when I have to look for any recipe.

    My parents in law are here again this time of the year. And just like the past 2 years, my father in law has requested me to make your Alfredo Philly cheese steak pizza!! I have already made it once and will make it atleast one more time before they leave!! 🙂

    Thank you for the amazing recipes!!
    Prayers and wishes your way.

  13. Tara says

    Jen, prayers for a speedy recovery and that you are covered in good vibes and wishes from all your internet fans and friends!

  14. Marlene says

    Jen, sending more healing wishes from down I-5 in La Jolla, and prayers that the antibiotics do their job soon. Your spirit and courage are remarkable, an inspiration to us in so many ways. Focus on taking good care of yourself and don’t worry about us. As another commenter said, you’ve given us plenty of recipes to work with while you recover. And I’m sure plentry of bloggers would be delighted to do guest posts for you. You have tons of support and love coming your way from around the world.

  15. Rachel says

    Take time to focus on you,and what you need–there are plenty of recipes on your site for readers to enjoy! You are incredibly brave. Sending healing thoughts your way!!!

  16. Carmen says

    Hi Jen,
    Thank you for letting your readers know where you are at. I love your recipes and so appreciate your passion for sharing good food. I am praying for rest and God’s healing.

  17. Sandy says

    Jen you are SUCH an inspiration to me to focus on what matters! Sending lots of love and prayers from New Mexico – you have reached so many lives you cannot imagine! Relax enjoy your family and home and focus on getting better soon! In spirit I am searching your archives for what to make for dinner tonight.. could be that YUMMY salsa verda honey chicken ! 🙂

  18. Judi says

    Wishing you a wonderful, healthy summer of fun, sun and adventure with breathtaking sights…..I will continue to pray for you and your family….enjoy your recipes so much and you taking time off, will make me more adventurous on the grill…thank you for sharing always…

    wishing you and hubby all the best!!

  19. Hollie says

    Jen,
    I love everything about you and this blog. Praying you feel better soon and your body can do what it needs to to keep your lungs healthy. Thank you for all the yummy recipes, but know we will be ok with fewer posts if it means you get to spend more time with your family.

  20. Sheila says

    Dearest Jen: My prayers have been covering you since I first found your blog some time ago. Many, many of your recipes have gifted my family with the love of a created homemade and delicious meal resulting in relaxed, laughing conversations at the dinner table. Thank you for such a blessing in our lives by sharing your gift of cooking and amazing recipes with us. Suffering is a great tool to remind us of what is really important and to help us re-evaluate our priorities in life. God and family are number 1 but don’t forget work is a huge blessing too. Work is a way to keep us from focusing so much on ourselves and use our skill to reach out and serve others. Your work is amazing and you have stated it brings you pleasure. And you are a gifted writer that brings forth your product in such a warm and personable way the reader’s heart longs eagerly to read the next post and see the next delicious creation. So please draw back, heal, spend more time with loved ones but keep working, creating, developing even if it’s just for family and friends. This is a big part of who you are — a loving, fun, courageous, strong and gifted woman who shares her heart through the gift of delicious food in the lives of others. My prayers continue for you.

  21. Sara J says

    Jen,

    I think the previous posters have expressed all the things I wanted to say pretty well, but just felt the need to say thank you. Thank you for the amazing recipes, your stories, and most importantly, thank you for sharing *you* with your readers. With that being said, please never apologize for needing to take a step away from the blog. Your health and family come first and everyone who follows your blog wants you to focus on those first.

    Good thoughts coming your way!

  22. Kelly says

    Please take care! You are right- every day is precious!!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so so much Kelly! xo

  23. Shauna burnes says

    I hope all is okay. I just love your recipes, thanks for sharing them with all of us 🙂

    • Jen says

      Doing well, thank you so much Shauna, you are very kind! I am so happy you are enjoying my recipes and hope you love these kabobs as much as us!

  24. Ashley says

    Ok these are delicious!! I made the yogurt sauce and then totally forgot to serve it ‍♀️, but they had so much flavor without it! I look forward to trying it with my leftovers today! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    • Jen says

      Thanks so much for the awesome review Ashley! I’m so pleased they were such a hit!