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Indian Chicken Tikka

Indian Chicken Tikka

justbelieveyoucan
Discover the irresistible flavors of Indian Chicken Tikka! This classic recipe combines tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
resting time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Course chicken, main course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • grill
  • 1 blender
  • 1 mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg boneless chicken (mix of thighs and breasts), cut into 4 cm chunks
  • 200 g plain yoghurt
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 50 g fresh ginger finely chopped
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • 2 limes Juice
  • 50 ml olive oil
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken

  • Begin by cutting your chicken into chunky, skewer-ready pieces (about 4 cm). Season them lightly with salt and white pepper, then set aside while you prep the marinade.

Make the Marinade

  • In a blender or food processor, combine half of the yoghurt with the ginger, butter, spices, lime juice, tomato purée, olive oil, and garam masala. Blend until you get a smooth, fragrant paste.
    Pour the mixture into a large bowl, then whisk in the remaining yoghurt. Give it a quick taste—if you like more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or chilli.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better for maximum flavor.

Grill to Perfection

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high. Thread the marinated chicken onto metal skewers. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with leftover marinade for extra juiciness.
    Tip: No grill? No problem. You can roast the skewers in the oven at the highest setting or even cook them on a stovetop grill pan.

Serve It Hot

  • Check that the chicken is cooked through by slicing into the thickest piece—there should be no pink and the juices should run clear. Serve hot with lemon wedges, naan, or fluffy basmati rice.

Notes

Use Full-Fat Yogurt:

For a creamier, more flavorful marinade, opt for full-fat yogurt. It helps tenderize the chicken and creates a richer texture compared to low-fat options.

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor:

For extra flavor, you can use bone-in chicken (such as thighs or drumsticks). The bones help retain moisture and add richness, though boneless cuts are quicker to cook.

Use a Tandoor or Grill for the Authentic Char:

If possible, cook the chicken in a tandoor or on a charcoal grill. The smoky aroma and the charred texture are key to an authentic Chicken Tikka. If you're using a regular grill or oven, you can try adding a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky effect.

Baste While Cooking:

Baste the chicken with the leftover marinade while it’s cooking to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. Just be careful not to use any marinade that has touched raw chicken without cooking it first.

Serve with Fresh Herbs:

Garnish your Chicken Tikka with fresh cilantro or mint for added flavor and color. This also gives a fresh contrast to the smoky and spicy flavors.

Serve with Accompaniments:

Serve your Chicken Tikka with naan, rice, or a side of raita (yogurt sauce) to balance the heat. Mint chutney also pairs wonderfully for a refreshing kick.7

Don’t Overcook:

Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken, as it can dry out. Chicken Tikka is meant to be juicy with a slight char, so keep an eye on it while grilling or baking.

Make a Chicken Tikka Wrap:

If you're looking for a quick meal, try wrapping the cooked chicken in naan with a drizzle of raita and some salad veggies for a delicious, handheld treat!
 
Keyword chicken, delicious, grilled