Chicken tikka, a globally famous dish that originated in South Asia, is a flavorful and aromatic tikka that captivates food lovers. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces marinated in a rich blend of spices and yogurt, grilled to perfection for a smoky and mouth-watering experience. Whether preparing a special dinner or hosting a party, our step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect chicken tikka recipe.

Why is chicken tikka loved around the world?

Chicken tikka has become a global favorite because of its versatility and flavor. Its smoky aroma, soft texture, and rich spices make it an irresistible dish that appeals to diverse palates. From Indian restaurants to backyard barbecues, chicken tikka has solidified its place as a culinary icon.

How To Cook The Chicken Tikka?

There are three methods for making your Tikka.

On the stove.
Bake in the oven.
BBQ it on an outside grill.

I usually prefer making it on the stove because it’s the easiest method and I don’t really fire up the oven for that. When baking or cooking on the stove, you will initially braise the chicken in a grilling pan around the highest temperature before slow cooking it.

This keeps all the fluids in, gives the top a lovely color, and gives it the charred appearance of an outside Tikka.

To use an outside grill, simply place the tikka on it and give it a little oil brushing every five minutes. With each oiling, turn the tikka.

Chicken Tikka Ingredients

To prepare authentic chicken tikka, gather the following ingredients:

For the marinade:

Chicken: 500 grams of boneless, bite-sized chicken

Yogurt: 1 cup, thick and plain

Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tablespoons

Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon (to taste)

Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon

Cereal powder: 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon

Garm masala: 1 teaspoon

Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons

Salt: to taste

Mustard oil: 2 tablespoons (or any neutral oil)

Kashmiri red chili powder: One teaspoon of colorant

Kasuri methi: 1 teaspoon (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)

Skewers: Wooden or metal (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For garnish:

Onion rings: Finely chopped

Lemon wedges: Fresh and juicy

Red chili leaves: Chopped

Step-by-step recipe for making chicken tikka

Prepare the chicken

Start by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into cubes for even cooking. Place the pieces in a large mixing bowl.

Mix the marinade.

In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt. Mix the ingredients until a uniformly smooth paste is achieved.

Marinate the chicken.

Add each piece of chicken to the marinade and coat well. For best results, refrigerate the bowl, covered with cling film, for at least four hours or overnight. This will allow the chicken to fully absorb the spices.

Prepare your grill or oven.

If using a charcoal grill, fire the coals and let them to burn until white ash covers them. This will give the chicken tikka its smoky flavor.

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if you want to use one, and cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack on top of the tray for even cooking.

For the stovetop, you can use an oiled grill pan.

Skewer the chicken.

To ensure even cooking, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.

Cook the chicken.

Grill method: Set the skewers on a preheated grill. Cook the chicken on both sides, basting regularly with oil or butter to coat, about ten to twelve minutes.

Oven method: Place the skewers on a wire rack and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through. For a charred effect, broil the chicken for another 2-3 minutes.

Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan and cook the skewers over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Serving Tips

Once the tikka is ready, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh onion rings, lemon wedges, and chopped red chilies. Serve with mint chutney or yogurt raita for a refreshing dip. Pair it with naan, paratha, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tikka

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Always use fresh chicken and spices for the best flavor.

Consistency of Yogurt:

Thick yogurt works best as it sticks well to the chicken.

Oil or butter basting:

Basting the chicken regularly while cooking keeps it moist and prevents it from drying out.

Avoid overcooking:

Monitor the cooking time closely to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Charcoal smoke:

For an authentic smoky flavor, place a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl inside the marinated chicken bowl. Pour a little oil over the charcoal, cover it, and let it char for 5 minutes before cooking.

Nutritional information

Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 25 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sodium: 600 milligrams

FAQs About Chicken Tikka Recipe: