Chicken tikka is made by marinating boneless chicken cubes in a spiced yogurt mixture with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice and ground spices. This recipe shows how to cook it on a grill, in the oven or on the stovetop, then serve it with mint chutney, naan or steamed rice.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Tikka

To make the perfect Chicken Tikka, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Marinade:

500 grams of boneless chicken (preferably thighs or breast, cut into cubes)
1 cup plain yogurt (thick and fresh)
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for colour)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons mustard oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon kasturi methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)

For Cooking:

Skewers (if grilling)
Butter or oil for basting

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Chicken Tikka Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Wash and pat dry the chicken cubes with a paper towel.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, add the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the dry spices (red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and paprika).
Mix the marinade well until all ingredients are combined.
Add mustard oil and kasturi methi for an authentic smoky flavour.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and coat them evenly.
Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 4: Preheat Your Cooking Method Choose your preferred method for cooking:

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking tray with aluminium foil.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan or skillet on medium-high heat.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Tikka

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers if using a grill or oven.
For grilling or oven cooking, place the skewers on the grill or baking tray.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with butter or oil for extra flavour.
- In the oven, bake for 15 minutes, then broil for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a charred look.
For stovetop cooking, place the chicken pieces on the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, basting with butter.

Step 6: Serve the Chicken Tikka

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skewers (if applicable) and arrange on a serving plate.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sliced onions, and lemon wedges.
Serve hot with mint chutney, naan, or steamed rice.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka

Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your yogurt, spices, and chicken will directly impact the flavour.
Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the depth of flavour.
Charcoal touch: For a smoky restaurant-style flavor, place a small bowl with a lit charcoal piece in the marinade and cover it for 5 minutes before cooking.
Experiment with spices: Adjust the spice levels to suit your palate.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 250-300 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate chicken tikka?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, covered with cling film in the refrigerator, or overnight for the best results.

Can I make chicken tikka without a grill?

Yes. In the oven, preheat to 220°C / 425°F, bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes. On the stovetop, cook for 4-5 minutes on each side in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, basting with butter.

What do you serve with chicken tikka?

Garnish it with fresh coriander leaves, sliced onions and lemon wedges, and serve hot with mint chutney, naan or steamed rice.

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Chicken Tikka Recipe