Indian

Grilled Indian-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Basmati Rice

These vibrant and flavorful chicken skewers are marinated in a fragrant blend of Indian spices, then grilled to perfection. Served over fluffy basmati rice, this dish is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a taste of India at home. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with aromatic spices, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Created byJacquelyn Halpern with lil' chef

Grilled Indian-Spiced Chicken Skewers with Basmati Rice

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

35 mins

Calories

450

Skill Level

Easy

Servings

Prep

20 mins

Cook

15 mins

Total

35 mins

Calories

450

Skill

Easy

Servings

2 servings

Instructions

Ingredients

Details

Instructions

01
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with sunflower oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
This ensures the chicken is flavorful and tender.
02
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
03
While the chicken marinates, prepare the basmati rice: Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Bringing the rice to a boil initially helps to activate the starches for a fluffier texture.
04
Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Simmering ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the water.
05
Remove the rice from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains.
06
Fluff the rice with a fork.
This separates the grains and prevents them from sticking together.
07
Preheat your outdoor gas grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C).
Ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking.
08
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
Overcrowding can prevent even cooking.
09
Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
10
Serve the hot chicken skewers immediately over the fluffed basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Enjoy!

Required Utensils

Large bowl
Measuring spoons
Grater
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

2 servings

For the Chicken Skewers:

1 ½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) cubes

For the Marinade:

2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp garam masala
¼ tsp red chili powder (adjust for medium spice preference)
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Serving:

1 cup basmati rice
2 cup water
¼ tsp salt
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Quick Tip

For extra flavor, try grilling a halved red onion alongside the chicken skewers. The caramelized onion adds a touch of sweetness that complements the spicy chicken beautifully.

Recommended Pairings

Instructions

01
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with sunflower oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
This ensures the chicken is flavorful and tender.
02
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
03
While the chicken marinates, prepare the basmati rice: Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Bringing the rice to a boil initially helps to activate the starches for a fluffier texture.
04
Bring the rice mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Simmering ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the water.
05
Remove the rice from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains.
06
Fluff the rice with a fork.
This separates the grains and prevents them from sticking together.
07
Preheat your outdoor gas grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F / 200-230°C).
Ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent sticking.
08
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
Overcrowding can prevent even cooking.
09
Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
10
Serve the hot chicken skewers immediately over the fluffed basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Enjoy!

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftover rice separately. Reheat the chicken skewers in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Reheat the rice in the microwave with a tablespoon of water to prevent it from drying out.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because the marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a complex blend of Indian spices. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky char that complements the aromatic spices. Serving it over fluffy basmati rice creates a complete and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the skewers, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Not marinating the chicken long enough, resulting in less flavor.
Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry.
Not preheating the grill properly, which can cause the chicken to stick.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size

1 skewer with 1/2 cup rice

Calories

450 kcal

Protein

40g

Fat

18g

Saturated Fat

Carbohydrates

30g

Fiber

Sugar

Sodium

300mg

Macronutrient Distribution

Values are estimated based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. AI can produce inaccurate values.

Dietary Information

Dietary Tags

aiphalalpaleowhole30egg freenut freesoy freedairy freelow fodmapsugar freeeliminationgluten freeshellfish free

Contains Allergens

none

Additional Notes

Ensure all spice blends used are soy-free.
For a lower cholesterol option, use chicken breast instead of thighs and trim any visible fat.
To make this recipe Whole30 compliant, ensure all ingredients are compliant and serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.