Chicken Boti Kabab is an insanely easy one to make. It's marinade is a one-bowl recipe & you don't need tons of ingredients to whip up this delicious Indian Chicken appetizer. Learn how to make the perfect Chicken Boti Kabab on Tawa Step by Step.

Chicken Boti Kabab Recipe
Chicken Boti Kabab is everything to love about a Kabab recipe. It tastes good & looks good too.
It's quick, super easy, doesn't require an oven or grill or an air fryer. Though you may certainly use any of these to get this quick Indian chicken appetizer done if you want to.
Look at that vibrant gorgeous color, & there's one secret very healthy ingredient to achieve this color easily. No, it's not any food color! I'll leave you guessing for a while.
We here at Foodies Terminal love making all kinds kebabs like this Chicken Reshmi Kabab Recipe , & Mutton Sheekh Kabab Recipe what not to love about a Kabab right?
After all you can cook them with drizzles of oil. They doesn't require any effort at all and you can transform them from an appetizer to a complete meal with a salad or simple Pilaf on the side.
Skewered meat is such a healthy choice & you can never go wrong with a kabab recipe. Though, it certainly is very easy to ruin a Kabab recipe, but with my tips you won't end up with a Kabab disaster..Lol!
Just read through my each & every Kabab posts. I am sure you'll find them helpful.
What is Chicken Boti Kabab?
Chicken Boti Kabab is an Indian Chicken Kabab recipe that is made with marinated boneless pieces of chicken that are skewered & cooked until just tender & juicy.
You can make Chicken Boti Kabab on a griddle or Tawa, in an oven, air fryer or grill.
The way of cooking a Kabab remains the same in almost every Kabab recipe. It's the marinade that varies.
Ingredients for Chicken Boti Kabab Recipe
You don't need much for today's chicken Boti Kabab Recipe. These are what you actually need:
- Bone less chicken pieces cut into 1.5" thick pieces: We always prefer chicken breasts over thighs. But, thighs are a wonderful choice too.
- Thick Yogurt: Greek yogurt is an efficient choice here because you do not have to hang the regular yogurt to drain out the excess moisture. If you do not have a tub of greek yogurt lying around. By all means follow the traditional route & hang that yogurt in a muslin cloth for 30-40 mins.
- Mayonnaise: Always use the real one for best flavors. Mayo gives a certain edge to the boti kabab recipe & we love it. You may skip it if you want to.
- Spices: Paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder, Garam Masala powder, Nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, Roasted cumin seeds powder (jeera), red chili powder (I didn't add any).
- Mustard oil: This is a must, tastes much better than adding melted butter.
- Ginger Garlic Paste.
- Lemon juice: Adds that tang.
- Secret to that gorgeous red color: Beet Root powder. It's a super healthy choice that gives unbeatable gorgeous color to any food. You do not need any food color at all. I totally forgot to include the beet root powder in the Ingredients photo today. But, you may find it in the process shots.
The Best meat for Chicken Boti Kabab
You can choose either boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs to make this quick Indian Kabab.
I always vote for chicken breasts and I mentioned it in earlier Kabab posts as well like this Achari Chicken Tikka. It's totally a personal choice though, it's just that I don't prefer the taste of chicken thigh meat in Kababs.
Here's a few things to keep in mind while choosing the right chicken meat for any chicken kabab recipe.
- Chicken Breasts: They are not naturally juicy as compared to chicken thigh meat. But, brining or marinating the meat helps to make chicken breasts tender & juicy.
- Chicken Thighs: They are naturally tender & juicy and makes good kababs even if you choose to flash marinate the meat.
5 Tips to make the best Chicken Boti Kabab
- Thick yogurt is a must: A thick yogurt will make the marinade the right consistency and it'll sit on the chicken meat even while skewering. If you do not have thick yogurt handy just hang the regular yogurt in a muslin cloth for 30 mins.
- Use Mustard oil: This oil has all the potency to get today's chicken boti kabab taste just like the takeouts. I tried a side by side comparison & made a batch with melted butter. Believe me the boti kababs with mustard oil in it turned out much better. Moreover, the kababs with oil will remain soft when stored in the fridge.
- Pan roast the Chicken Boti Kababs over medium heat: Medium heat provides the right temperate to cook the meat within 15 mins. The meat will remain tender & succulent.
- Always keep the cooked Kababs covered loosely: This will keep them juicy for a long time.
- Dhungar is the key for authentic restaurant tandoor flavors: Never skip infusing the kababs with charcoal smoke. The smoke will take the chicken boti kababs a notch up.
Can you Freeze Chicken Boti Kabab?
Yes, you can certainly freeze chicken boti kabab. They keep good for 1 month when stored right in freezer safe bags in the freezer.
They keep good in the fridge too for 7 days when stored in an air tight container.
Serving ideas
We love to eat chicken boti kababs directly from the skewers and it forms our favorite weekend appetizer with some chilled beer & Games of Thrones on the Netflix. Hmmm, did I tempt you? π π
But, we love to get creative in the kitchen and make a complete meal out of any Kabab recipe π
Just a simple pilaf on the side, a roasted whole Tomato on the side and we have a complete meal for the day.
Or may be a simple salad. Skewered meat and salads make such a hearty combo. Don't you think so? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below π
How to make Chicken Boti Kabab?Step by Step
Steps in words below pictures
Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking mayo & the yogurt. Dump the spices, oil & the ginger garlic paste and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
Add that gorgeous beet root powder and whisk to incorporate it with the rest of the marinade.
Voila your chicken boti kabab marinade is ready.
Skewer the Kabab, Cook & the process of Dhungar
Dump the chicken pieces into the marinade, mix well to coat all the chicken pieces uniformly.
Leave the marinated chicken pieces in the fridge for 2 hours for best results or at least 30 mins.
Skewer the marinated chicken pieces. I used metal skewers but if you choose bamboo skewers just soak them in water for 10 mins.
Brush oil over a griddle, tawa or skillet and heat it at medium heat.
Roast all the skewers over medium heat, rotating them from time to time. It should take you about 15 mins.
When they are done (after 15 mins) set the flame to it's highest setting and just roast for 1-2 mins more to give that charred look.
When done remove the chicken boti kababs to a clean dry plate.
How to do Dhungar?
Dhungar is the art of infusing charcoal smoke in the food. This give an authentic tandoor flavor to the food that's made without a tandoor.
Take a piece of charcoal & burn it over flame until red & smokey. Place a small steel pot in the middle of the plate amongst the chicken boti kababs.
Next, carefully place that burning charcoal on the small steel pot (pic 11). Pour 1 tsp ghee or clarified butter & immediately place a glass lid covering the plate containing the kababs. Leave it that way for 10 mins.
The smoke will infuse with the cooked chicken boti kabab & flavor them with an unbeatable tandoor taste.
Chicken Boti Kabab
Print Recipe Pin RateIngredients
- 1 Pound Boneless Chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1.5" pieces (453 gms)
- ΒΎ cup Greek yogurt (or hung curd)
- ΒΌ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- ΒΌ cup Extra Virgin Mustard Oil
- Β½ tbsp Paprika
- Β½ tbsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- Β½ tsp Nutmeg Powder
- ΒΌ tsp Cinnamon Powder
- 1 tbsp Organic Beet Root Powder
- 2 tbsp canola oil or mustard oil for roasting
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Salt (to taste)
For the Dhunggar:
- 1 Charcoal
- 1 tsp Ghee (or clarified butter)
Instructions
- In a clean dry bowl add the thick yogurt and the mayo and whisk well until fully combined & smooth.
- Next, add the mustard oil, the spices, ginger garlic paste, salt, lemon juice to the bowl and whisk everything well until fully mixed & smooth.
- Now, add the beet root powder. You may increase or decrease the amount as per your liking. Mix everything well..
- Add the chicken pieces and mix well until all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with a cling film and allow the marinated chicken to rest for 30 mins to 2 hrs. in the fridge. You may also leave it overnight in the fridge.
- Next, skewer the meat in the metal or bamboo skewers and set aside.
- Heat a griddle or non stick skillet over medium heat. When the pan becomes moderately hot brush it with oil.
- Next, place the skewers and cook over medium heat rotating sides from time to time. The meat will be fully cooked in 15 mins.
- Now, turn the flame to the highest setting and cook all sides of the chicken boti kabab for that beautiful charred look. Set the chicken boti kababs aside on a plate.
How to do the Dhungar?
- Take a small pot about 2-3" inches and place it in the middle of the plate containing the Chicken boti kababs.
- Next heat up a charcoal over high heat until burning red. Be careful and hold it with the help of a tong.
- Once the charcoal becomes raging hot quickly place it in the small steel container that you placed in the middle of the kabab plate.
- Immediately pour about 1 tsp ghee or clarified butter over the red hot charcoal and quickly cover the whole plate with a glass lid. There should not be any gaps between the lid and the plate. Otherwise, the smoke will escape.
- Allow it to rest for 10-15 mins. The smoke from the charcoal will get infused in the chicken boti kabab making them so flavorful & giving them that authentic tandoor taste.
- Serve hot , Enjoy!
Notes
- If using Bamboo skewers do not forget to soak them in water for at least 10-15 mins. This will prevent the bamboo skewers from getting burnt.
- For that extra juicy & tender texture keep the cooked chicken boti kababs loosely covered with a parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Measuring cup used, 1 cup = 240 ml & 1 teaspoon = 5 ml.
ΒNutrition
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Amber says
Superb!
Foodies Terminal says
Hello Amber we are so glad you enjoyed this kebab recipe π Thanks so much for the amazing feedback, appreciate it. - Meghna.
Emre Savas says
I cant wait to make it soon . However I cant find Beetroot powder in my town . I can order it online though . Is beet root powder only for color , Or does it effect taste and flavour too ? Please let me know soon.
Foodies Terminal says
Beetroot powder is only for color. You can skip it if you want to. Happy cooking π Hope you love this recipe π - Meghna.
Asmat Cheval says
I have followed your the instructions and have marinated the chicken.Hope it comes out as good as yours.Canβt wait to dig in.
Thank you.Much appreciated.
Foodies Terminal says
Hope you enjoyed the recipe Asmat π Take care! - Meghna.
Maya Shah says
My God! I accidentally bumped on your blog and found this recipe which I was looking for eons! Not a single recipe floating on the web is as good as this one. I will make it again and thank you for this recipe and many more. You have a FANTASTIC blog Meghna. Earned a FAN π
Foodies Terminal says
Thank you Maya for appreciating my hard work π Means a lot actually! I am so glad that you found your much loved recipe here π Keep visiting us for more such delicious recipes from all over the world. - Meghna.
Shailamerchant ,where do I get beet root powder says
Love your recipes,
Foodies Terminal says
Hello Shailamerchant,
Thanks much for stopping by on the post. I am so glad that you love my recipes π We source Beet Root powder from Amazon or Whole Foods Market in the USA. I will share the exact brand that I use and update the link on the blog post itself so that others can buy it too using the link. Let me know if I can help you with any other queries regarding the recipe. - Meghna.
Samaanta says
What temperature could I cook this on in the oven? And for how long do you think?
Foodies Terminal says
Hello Samaanta,
If you would prefer to cook them in the oven cook them on the middle rack at 375 degree Fahrenheit for 25-35 mins. Do check them in between and flip sides midway. If you love the charred look Broil them on HIGH for about 5 mins or so on the top rack (rotate sides and check them in-between because temperature might vary slightly from oven to oven).
Deborah Brothers says
It's very nice that people have stopped by to compliment you on the looks and what they think about the spices. I read reviews to see who has actually made the recipe and how it tasted to them. This would be a lot more helpful. Perhaps you could suggest people send you a comment, after they have made the recipe. That would be much more helpful.
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks Deborah for stopping by and sharing your valuable thoughts with us. It's a great suggestion and from now onwards I'll add a line to my notes and a word in my videos π You can try the recipe once and share your thoughts too π
Neha says
Loving the addition of beet root powder, that color on the kababs look fantastic! Your clicks are making me drool, I need to make them soon!
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks much Neha π
Kristina says
Drooling over how fantastic this chicken looks! Love that you can make it in different ways too, so versatile!
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks Kristina π
Jen says
I made these chicken kababs on the grill and they turned out amazing! Will make again soon.
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks much Jen, I am so glad that you tried this chicken boti kabab recipe π
Deanne says
That color, though!! Thanks for the step by step instructions how to make this. My mouth was watering just looking at the post.
Foodies Terminal says
Thank you so much Deanne π
Tawnie Kroll says
So fun using beet root powder, thank you for the delicious recipe!
Foodies Terminal says
Thank you Tawnie π Oh yeah beet root powder & juice are such an amazing ingredients are often incorporate in my recipes to achieve that gorgeous vibrant color without adding any food color at all. It's fun & it's healthy π
Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
Now you've got me hungry! All those delicious flavors, I can't wait to make these kabobs.
Foodies Terminal says
Lol! Thanks Eden. It's damn easy make them sometimes π
Andrea Metlika says
This Chicken Boti Kabob looks delightful. I've never had it but I am ready to try it!
Foodies Terminal says
Hey thanks much Andrea π These chicken boti kabab recipe is such a simple recipe that promises lofty flavors. Try them out π
Veena Azmanov says
Amazing flavors, amazing look. This is such a lovely recipe for a party. My guest to grab it all.
Foodies Terminal says
Thank you so much Veena π Oh yes, I always run out of these notoriously delicious boti kababs in every party Lol! They literally fly off the plates π
Kate says
These pictures look amazing! All the spices and lemony flavor sounds so delicious!
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks much Kate π
SHANIKA says
OMG! This Chicken Kabab looks so delicious! I'm so loving all the spices and that sauces! YUM!
Foodies Terminal says
Thanks Shanika π