The tantalizing aroma of Chicken Tikka wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish has become a beloved staple in households and restaurants worldwide.

Its roots trace back to the Punjab region, where it was traditionally cooked in clay ovens known as tandoors. However, with its popularity, it has evolved into various versions, each with its unique twist.

Creating Chicken Tikka at home may seem daunting to some, but fear not, for I have crafted a simple yet flavorful recipe that even beginners can master.

This dish encompasses tender pieces of chicken marinated in a medley of spices and yogurt, resulting in a burst of flavors with every bite.

Expert Tip: Prepare the marinade for the Chicken Tikka in advance, even the night before, to allow the flavors to meld together and infuse into the chicken for a more robust taste.

Ingredients

Chicken: Chicken provides the protein base for this dish. Its mild flavor allows it to absorb the rich flavors of the marinade while remaining tender and juicy after cooking.

Yoghurt: Acting as a tenderizer, yogurt helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more succulent texture. It also adds a creamy consistency to the marinade, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly.

Spices: A blend of spices including salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, tandoori masala, cumin seeds, and dried fenugreek leaves infuses the chicken with layers of complexity and depth. Each spice contributes its unique flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Mint Sauce and Lemon Juice: These ingredients add a refreshing zing to the marinade, balancing out the richness of the spices with their bright and tangy flavors.

Oil: Oil helps to bind the marinade together and prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill or oven tray during cooking. It also aids in achieving that perfectly golden and crispy exterior.

Expert Tip: Preheating your oven or grill is crucial to achieving that perfectly cooked Chicken Tikka.

Serving Suggestions

• Homemade Naan Bread: Pair your Chicken Tikka with warm, freshly baked naan bread for a truly authentic experience. The soft and pillowy texture of naan complements the bold flavors of the chicken, making it the perfect accompaniment.
• Mint Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a simple mint yogurt sauce by combining plain yogurt with chopped fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This creamy and tangy sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken tikka, elevating its taste to new heights.
• Crisp Salad: Balance out the richness of the Chicken Tikka with a crisp and refreshing salad. Opt for a mix of fresh greens such as lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice for added zest.
• Sliced Onions and Lemon Wedges: Serve sliced onions and lemon wedges on the side to add extra layers of flavor to your meal. The sharpness of the onions and the citrusy kick of the lemon complement the smoky and savory notes of the chicken tikka, enhancing its overall taste.
• Chutneys and Pickles: For an extra burst of flavor, serve a variety of chutneys and pickles alongside your Chicken Tikka. Options include mango chutney, lime pickle, and spicy green chutney. These condiments provide a delightful contrast of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, taking your meal to the next level.

Expert Tip: Use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt works exceptionally well in the marinade due to its thicker consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, for best results, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer marination time will result in more flavorful and tender chicken tikka.

Can I grill the chicken tikka instead of roasting it in the oven?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer the charred and smoky flavor imparted by grilling, you can cook the chicken tikka on a preheated grill instead of in the oven. Simply thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and charred on the edges.

Is it necessary to use tandoori masala in the marinade?

While tandoori masala adds an authentic flavor to the chicken tikka, you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. The dish will still be delicious thanks to the combination of other spices. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for this recipe. Thigh meat tends to be juicier and more flavorful, making it an excellent choice for chicken tikka. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may require slightly longer to cook through compared to breasts.

How do I know when the chicken tikka is cooked?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the chicken should be firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking to prevent the chicken from becoming dry.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chicken Pakora
• Lamb Tikka
• Chicken Tikka Wings
• Chicken Loaded Fries
• Chicken Shawarma

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Chicken Tikka

by Nabeela Kauser

Dive into a culinary journey with chicken tikka, a hallmark of Indian cuisine. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing aromas and flavours of this beloved dish.

4.97 from 33 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Marination Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Appetiser

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 6

Calories 144 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 600 g Chicken
• ▢ 100 g Yoghurt
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 Mint Sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 1 tbsp Tandoori Masala
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera
• ▢ 1 tsp Dried Fenugreek Leaves Methi
• ▢ 1 tbsp Oil

Instructions

• In a large bowl add all of the ingredients, except the chicken, and whisk until well combined
• Add the chicken then mix until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated
• Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes – the longer the marination time the better it is
• Once marinated, roast for 10 minutes at the top of a preheated oven at 240°C (465°F) gas mark 9
• Flip the skewers over and roast for a further 6-8 minutes
• Serve alongside homemade naan bread with salad and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 663mgPotassium: 160mgFibre: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 187IUVitamin C: 2mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg

Keyword BBQ, Chicken, Cooking, Food, Grilled, Kebab, Ramadan, Recipe

Tried this recipe?Mention @CookwithNabeela or tag #CookwithNabeela!