Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend (you can find this at an Indian grocery store or make your own)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground chili powder (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

For the mint yogurt sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
3. Preheat your grill or oven broiler to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. Grill the chicken tikka skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. If using an oven broiler, place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
6. While the chicken tikka is cooking, prepare the mint yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well.
7. Once the chicken tikka is cooked, remove from the grill or broiler and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. Serve the chicken tikka hot with the mint yogurt sauce on the side. You can also garnish with some fresh mint leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tikka with its aromatic spices and refreshing mint yogurt sauce! It’s perfect as an appetizer or main course in an Indian-inspired meal.