Quick Chicken Seekh Kebabs Recipe: Smoky Perfection with an Electric Tandoor

Have you ever come across a street stall that is selling chicken seekh kebabs and the aroma it gives off makes your mouth water? Well it's possible to recreate it right at home! 

The royals back in the Mughal dynasty would tend to indulge in these kebabs, which have Persian and Central Asian roots. India as a whole, enjoys it immensely - be it at roadside dhabas in Delhi, or fancy restaurants in Bangalore. 

You'll get your hands on chicken kebab in weddings, family gatherings, or even parties, simply because of how scrumptious they are. 

And the best part? 

No need to burn charcoal and spend a lot of time prepping them. Smoky, juicy kebabs can be whipped up in under 30 minutes with an electric tandoor.

Let's get started!

Ingredients for Chicken Seekh Kebabs

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 10-12 kebabs:

1. 500 grams of ground chicken (preferably a mix of thigh and breast for juiciness)
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
4. 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice tolerance)
5. 1/4 cup of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
6. 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
7. 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan) for binding
8. 1 teaspoon of garam masala
9. 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
10. 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
11. 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
12. 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
13. 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
14. 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
15. 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for brushing)
16. Skewers (metal or soaked wooden ones)

Don’t worry if you’re missing a spice or two, the beauty of seekh kebabs is their flexibility. You can tweak the flavors to suit your taste. Got everything? Great, let’s move on to the equipment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Seekh Kebabs

Credits: Canva

Now we arrive at the step where we have to make the kebabs. I’ll demonstrate the process in straightforward steps; that way, even if it’s your first time, it should be easy to follow. Are you set? Let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

First take a bowl and add all the ingredients. Mix & knead together well, for 2 to 3 minutes. This is a very important step to mix and knead well. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Form the Kebab

Using your hands, take a small portion of the chicken mixture, about 40 grams, and roll it into a log. For metal skewers, place the mixture onto the skewer and push it down to form a uniform kebab. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in cold water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. You should have roughly ten to twelve kebabs.

Step 3: Preheat the Tandoor

Credits: Glen India

After plugging in the electric tandoor, it should be preheated between 5-7 minutes depending on the model. Most devices have a temperature indicator. Aim for 200-250°C/392-482°F while preheating for the optimum char. If the model has a ‘pre-heat’ spectra, aid it turning on first before proceeding. This step is crucial because the seal made with a high temperature ‘locks’ the juice with unparalleled smoky flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Kebabs

Place the baking tray in the electric tandoor and bake for 6 to 7 mins, turn them to the other side and sear for another 2 to 3 mins. You can brush the butter while flipping the kebabs for extra juiciness.  (Baking times can vary depending on the size of your oven and thickness of kebabs). 

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the kababs cool down for a minute. Gently take the kebabs off the skewers, and arrange them on a serving platter. 

• While the kebabs taste best when served warm, they can be enjoyed with cool mint chutney, onion rings, or a yogurt dip. 
• They also taste delectable when accompanied by naan and paratha or a light salad. Just the sight of the dish will make everyone hurry to the table.

Tips for Perfect Seekh Kebabs Every Time

Want to take your kebabs to the next level? Here are some tried-and-tested tips:

1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a huge difference in flavor.
2. Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the mixture rest enhances the taste.
3. Keep the tandoor clean: A clean grill prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
4. Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of chaat masala or smoked paprika for a twist.
5. Don’t overcrowd the tandoor: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the kebabs.

These little tweaks can turn a good kebab into a great one. Feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own!

Why is an Electric Tandoor is a Game-Changer?

Credits: Glen India

Firstly, it is extremely easy to operate. For advanced chefs and beginners alike, the knobs are simple, and the outcome is reliable. Further, it is multifunctional, you can cook anything from kebabs to grilled vegetables to naan. Moreover, it is an improvement compared to grilling or deep frying because of its healthier appeal. 

And we cannot forget about the convenience, it does not require coal, smoke, or other complicated contraptions. This is perfect for anyone wanting to indulge in Indian cuisine without the fuss.

Why Chicken Seekh Kebabs Are a Crowd-Pleaser

This dish is ideal for comfort eating. Chicken Seekh Kebabs have that spicy and succulent taste coupled with a smoky essence which elevates the kebabs even more. They can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or be wrapped in a sandwich and they will always impress. They are perfect for a family gathering dinner or festive celebration. 

Over the years, seekh kebabs have been grilled over charcoal which is extremely messy and tedious. This is the part where the electric tandoor comes in as it solves the problem while still providing the same smokey flavor. Without the open flames and oil, the kebabs become healthier. 

We will show you how to make chicken kebabs with maximum flavor and minimal effort.

Conclusion: Make Restaurant-Style Kebabs at Home Now!

You shouldn't feel scared of Making chicken seekh kebabs. With an electric tandoor it can be made in half the time while getting the restaurant style smokey flavor. simplicity, taste, and enjoyment is what this recipe brings no matter if you are cooking for your family or guests and trying to show off at a party.

Glen India’s electric tandoors bring the authentic flavors of tandoori cooking to your kitchen easily. 

Get your ingredients and equipment because it’s time to fire the tandoor and create unforgettable chicken kebabs that are juicy, tender and packed with flavor, and perfectly charred every time.