Chicken tikka is a delicious and popular Indian dish that’s both flavorful and versatile. Here’s a recipe to make chicken tikka at home:
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- Salt to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced onions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, tikka masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, garlic paste, ginger paste, and salt.
- Mix well to form a smooth paste.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for better flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Option 1: Oven-Baking
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. Option 2: Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand).
- Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Option 3: Pan-Frying
- Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a nice sear, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and sliced onions if desired.
- Serve hot with naan, rice, or as a part of a larger Indian meal.
Enjoy your homemade chicken tikka!