Mouthwatering South Asian dish consisting of marinated and grilled chunks of chicken, imbued with a rich blend of spices and yogurt, delivering a flavorful and mildly spiced culinary delight.
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marination time, preferably 2 hours to overnight)
Cooking Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Grilling: 15-20 minutes
Oven Broiling: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for color and a hint of smokiness)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Skewers for grilling
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- In a 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 form a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char on the edges. If you’re using an oven, you can broil the chicken on a lined baking sheet.
- Once done, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges.
- Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka with naan, rice, or as a standalone appetizer!
Adjust the spice levels and ingredients according to your taste preferences.
