Hey there! If you’re craving something flavorful, juicy, and easy to make, then you’ve come to the right place. This Chicken Shashlik recipe is an Indo-Chinese delight that’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. You’ll love how tender the chicken is and how the veggies add that extra touch of freshness. The best part? It’s cooked in the air fryer, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re serving it with rice, naan, or just eating it as a snack, this dish will surely be a hit!
Method
Prepare the Marinade
Start by making the marinade that will infuse your chicken with all the wonderful flavors. In a small bowl, combine the cumin powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri chili powder, ground black pepper, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir these spices together, and then add the garlic (either minced or in paste form), soy sauce, vinegar, tomato puree, and olive oil. Mix everything together thoroughly until the marinade is smooth and well-blended. This flavorful base is going to elevate the taste of your chicken and veggies.
Marinate the Chicken
Next, take your chicken thighs and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared marinade over the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is well-coated. Once the chicken is coated in the marinade, add the cubed onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers to the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the veggies are also coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour so the flavors can fully absorb into the meat and veggies, making them juicy and flavorful.
Skewer the Chicken
After the marinating time is up, it’s time to skewer the chicken and veggies. Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Once soaked, take one skewer and pierce it through a piece of marinated chicken. Then, add 1-2 pieces of onion, followed by a chunk of tomato, and a piece of green bell pepper. Repeat the process of threading chicken and veggies onto the skewer until you’ve used about 5 pieces of chicken and 4 pieces of veggies on each skewer. Make sure the pieces are packed closely together so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Carefully place the skewers into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there’s enough space between them for the hot air to circulate. Set the timer for 18-20 minutes. During the cooking process, turn the skewers halfway through to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on both sides. Once the cooking time is up, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 75°C (165°F). If it hasn’t, give it a few more minutes in the air fryer. This ensures that your chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken skewers are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and juicy. These chicken shashlik skewers are perfect when paired with fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, or even enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the perfect combination of tender chicken and crunchy veggies!
Necessary Tools
- Wooden Skewers (soaked for 30 minutes)
- Air Fryer
- Meat Thermometer (for checking if the chicken is fully cooked)
Chicken Shashlik Recipe – A Quick and Flavorful Dinner!
Cuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
500g Chicken Thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
3 Tomatoes (cut into quarters, discard seeds)
1 Large Onion (cubed)
1 Large Green Bell Pepper (cubed)
Marinade
1 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
1 tsp Coriander Powder
1 1/2 tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder (mild)
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tbsp Garlic (minced or paste)
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 tbsp Tomato Puree
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the marinade. Stir until combined. The blend of spices and sauces will make your chicken full of flavor!
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Mix until the chicken is well-coated. Add the onions, tomatoes, and peppers, then mix again to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about an hour.
- Skewer the Chicken: Grab your soaked wooden skewers and pierce them through the chicken pieces. Add 1-2 pieces of onions, tomatoes, and peppers in between each chicken piece. Aim for about 5 pieces of chicken and 4 veggie pieces on each skewer.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 18-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, take out the skewers and serve with naan or rice. Enjoy the tender and juicy chicken with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Marinating Time: Don’t skip the marinating time. Allowing the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least an hour lets the flavors soak in, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Air Fryer Temperature: Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 190°C (375°F). If it’s too hot, the chicken might burn on the outside but remain undercooked on the inside.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked. Chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) internally.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Rice: The tangy and spiced chicken pairs beautifully with fragrant basmati rice or jasmine rice.
- Side of Naan: A warm, soft naan will complement the flavors of this chicken perfectly.
- Vegetable Salad: A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad will balance the heat and richness of the chicken.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Shashlik is a dish that originated in Central Asia? It’s popular in many countries, including Russia and India. The word “Shashlik” comes from the Turkish word “şiş,” meaning skewer!
Conclusion
Chicken Shashlik is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will make you feel like you’re eating out at a restaurant without the hassle of leaving home! It’s quick, easy to make in the air fryer, and perfect for meal prepping. The juicy chicken combined with the crispy veggies and a burst of Indian-Chinese flavors will make this dish one you’ll want to repeat often. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for the week ahead, this dish will not disappoint. Enjoy!
