Chicken Tikka
Chicken Tikka is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender, marinated chicken chunks with aromatic spices, yogurt, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, it offers a smoky, spicy profile that appeals to both spice lovers and those seeking a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. chicken, boned and cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pulped ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pulped garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 3 Tbsp. plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. tomato puree ⓘ
- red food coloring (optional) ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 lemon, cut in wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the spices, yogurt, salt, lemon juice, food coloring (if using), and tomato puree.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well.
- Leave the chicken to marinate overnight or for at least 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours. If you're out of plain yogurt, you can substitute with sour cream or buttermilk. Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference. If you want a smokier flavor, grill the chicken on charcoal instead of using a stovetop. This dish pairs beautifully with Indian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Tikka with warm naan or basmati rice to soak up the delicious marinade. A side of cucumber raita can help balance the spices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges for added brightness. This dish is perfect for a casual gathering and pairs nicely with Curried Chicken And Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it until heated through, although this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tikka contains roughly 3091 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 343g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2260mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken is a great option for Chicken Tikka. It will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Just ensure the pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.
What if I don't have red food coloring?
Red food coloring is optional and primarily used for color. If you prefer a natural look, you can skip it altogether. The flavor will remain delicious without it.
Can I bake the Chicken Tikka instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked, turning halfway through for even browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).