Paneer Tikka Skewers are marinated cubes of Indian cottage cheese (paneer) and colorful vegetables, grilled or baked to perfection. This dish is a popular appetizer in Indian cuisine, loved for its smoky flavor, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices. Paired with a refreshing mint chutney, the dish achieves a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors.

This recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-style paneer tikka at home, ideal for parties, BBQs, or festive occasions. Quick to prepare, these skewers are both visually appealing and delightfully tasty, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Paneer Tikka Skewers because they are so versatile—you can grill, bake, or even pan-fry them. The marination process infuses the paneer and vegetables with aromatic spices, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.

They’re colorful, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for entertaining while still being simple and satisfying to make at home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Rich and creamy paneer combined with crisp vegetables
• Spiced to perfection yet customizable
• Perfect appetizer for gatherings or BBQs
• Paired with mint chutney, offering a refreshing contrast
• Quick to prepare with minimal cleanup

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Marination Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
• Course: Appetizer / Snack
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For the Paneer Tikka:

• 250g paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon chat masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Mint Chutney:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
• 1–2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1-inch ginger piece
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed for blending)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, chat masala, lemon juice, oil, and salt.
2. Whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate Paneer and Vegetables

1. Add paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onion wedges to the marinade.
2. Toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for best flavor).

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

1. Preheat your grill, oven, or stovetop pan.
2. Thread paneer, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto skewers.
3. Brush lightly with oil.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

• Grill method: Grill skewers on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked.
• Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
• Pan method: Cook on a non-stick pan with a little oil over medium heat, turning carefully until golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare Mint Chutney

1. In a blender, combine mint, cilantro, green chilies, ginger, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and water.
2. Blend to a smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Mix yogurt and spices to make the marinade.
2. Coat paneer and vegetables; marinate.
3. Thread paneer and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until golden and slightly charred.
5. Blend mint chutney and serve alongside.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
• Can be served as a party appetizer, starter, or side dish with rice or naan.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or chaat masala for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use thick yogurt to prevent watery marinade.
• Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
• Avoid overhandling paneer to prevent breaking.
• Adjust spice levels in marinade according to taste.

Variations

1. Paneer & Mushroom Tikka: Replace some vegetables with mushrooms.
2. Spicy Tikka: Add extra green chilies or chili powder.
3. Vegetable Medley: Include zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or corn.
4. Baked Version: Brush skewers with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for a healthier option.
5. Tangy Yogurt Version: Add a teaspoon of tamarind paste to marinade for tanginess.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

• Marinated paneer can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Cooked skewers are best served immediately but can be stored 1 day in the fridge.

Freezing

• Marinate paneer and vegetables, place on a tray to freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Grill or bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill, oven, or non-stick pan
• Wooden skewers
• Baking sheet (for oven method)
• Blender (for chutney)
• Mixing bowls

FAQ

Q: Can I use tofu instead of paneer?
A: Yes, firm tofu works well for a vegan version.

Q: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble skewers after marination and refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking.

Q: Can I bake instead of grilling?
A: Yes, baking gives a slightly less smoky flavor but is healthier and convenient.

Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: Medium by default; adjust chili powder and green chilies according to taste.

Conclusion

Paneer Tikka Skewers with Mint Chutney are a vibrant, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of soft, spiced paneer, charred vegetables, and refreshing mint chutney creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Easy to make at home and highly customizable, this dish is a must-try for Indian cuisine enthusiasts, party hosts, or anyone craving a delicious, aromatic appetizer.