Juicy & Flavourful Chicken Tikka Recipe – A Classic South Asian Delight
Chicken Tikka is a mouthwatering South Asian dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken chunks infused with bold spices and creamy yogurt, delivering a tender, smoky, and flavourful experience. This dish is perfect as an appetizer, side, or main course served with naan or rice.
📌 Recipe Details
🕒 Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marination time, preferably 2 hours to overnight)
🔥 Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45-60 minutes (excluding marination time)
🍽 Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds colour and a hint of smokiness)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Skewers for grilling
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, vegetable oil, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix well to create a smooth, aromatic marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for the best flavour).
2️⃣ Prepare for Cooking
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken Tikka
Grilling Method:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through with a slight char.
Oven Broiling Method:
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet.
- Broil on high heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Remove the skewers and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
- Enjoy with naan, rice, or as a delicious standalone appetizer!
💡 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tikka
✔ For extra tenderness: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
✔ For a smoky flavour: After grilling, place the hot chicken in a covered bowl with a piece of burning charcoal for 5 minutes.
✔ For more spice: Increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies.
✔ For a healthier option: Use an air fryer instead of grilling.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Chicken Tikka without a grill?
✅ Yes! You can broil it in the oven or pan-fry on medium-high heat until cooked through.
Q: Can I store leftover Chicken Tikka?
✅ Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
✅ Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
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