How to Make a Chicken Tikka in your Home
Chicken Tikka is a popular Indian dish made from marinated and grilled chicken pieces. It’s known for its flavorful and aromatic spices. Here’s a basic Chicken Tikka recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken pieces (breast or thigh)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder (for color, adjust spiciness to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For Grilling:
- Skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Cooking oil or cooking spray
For Serving (optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Lemon wedges
- Onion rings
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ginger paste, garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika or chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. The longer the marination, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Skewer and Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Leave a little space between each piece.
- Brush the grill grates with a bit of oil or use cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the heat of your grill.
- Serve the Chicken Tikka:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tikka from the grill.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges and onion rings on the side.
Chicken Tikka can be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or as a main dish along with naan bread or rice. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s loved by many for its rich spices and tender chicken. Feel free to adjust the spice levels and marination time to suit your preferences.
