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A plate of hara masala chicken skewers with some tamarind/imli chutney and lime wedge
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Hara Masala Chicken Skewers

These hara masala chicken skewers are juicy and flavorful. They can be grilled on stove top or outdoor grill plus they are freezer friendly too!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Pakistani, Indian, South Asian
Keyword: chicken skewers, hara masala chicken, haryali chicken
Servings: 6
Author: Zeeshan Shah

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cilantro packed
  • 2 green chilies I use Serrano
  • 1 inch knob ginger
  • 4 small garlic cloves minced (or use 2 teaspoons minced garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons yogurt I use Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon/lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon water optional
  • 2 pounds chicken tenders cut into 2 inch pieces
  • Oil/ butter to baste chicken

Instructions

  • Pre soak bamboo skewers, if using, in a shallow bowl.
    Delay if you are marinading the chicken overnight. When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you are going to cook it and soak the bamboo skewers meanwhile.
  • Take all the ingredients but the chicken and oil and place in a blender. Blend till creamy. Marinate the chicken in this creamy (hara masala) sauce preferably overnight or at least 30 minutes.
  • Once ready to cook, thread chicken onto skewers and make sure they are close together so as to retain moisture in the chicken. This helps keep the chicken juicy. Usually 4 pieces are enough for a small bamboo skewer.
  • Heat a grill or cast iron pan on medium high heat till searing hot. Brush the pan with oil and place the chicken skewers on the skillet. Place four to six skewers on the pan at a time. Brush some oil on the top of the chicken pieces and let them cook on one side for 4 - 5 minutes.
  • Flip and cook on the other side for another 4 minutes. Continue to cook all the skewers in batches. Once done, place on a platter, drizzle with some lime juice, and serve with grilled veggies and or onion rings. Tamarind chutney pairs really well with these chicken skewers.

Video

Notes

  • Marinading is really important for juiciest results especially if using chicken breast. 
  • Add a tablespoon of water to get things moving in the blender. A high speed blender may not require it so add as you go.