Chicken Tikka
Experience the vibrant flavors of South Asia with this classic Chicken Tikka. Tender, succulent chicken pieces are marinated in a rich, spiced yogurt blend, then grilled to smoky perfection, offering a delightful balance of tang, spice, and char. This aromatic dish is a cornerstone of Pakistani and Indian cuisine, perfect for a flavorful main course.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 3 hr 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 380 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk and mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 600 gboneless, skinless chicken thigh, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 120 mlplain yogurt
- 1 tbspginger paste
- 1 tbspgarlic paste
- 1 tbsplemon juice
- 0.5 tspturmeric powder
- 1 tspred chili powder
- 1 tspcumin powder
- 1 tspcoriander powder
- 1 tspgaram masala
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper
- 1 tbspmustard oil
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)
Equipment
Large mixing bowl · Whisk · Plastic wrap · Grill (charcoal or gas) · 8× Skewers (metal or wooden) · Tongs · Basting brush · Cutting board · Chef's knife · Instant-read thermometer (optional)
The method
Step by step
- 1
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Uniformly sized chicken pieces will cook at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others are still undercooked.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
About 2 min
- 3
Whisk the marinade ingredients together thoroughly until a smooth, well-combined paste forms.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure there are no lumps of spices to guarantee an even coating and flavor distribution on the chicken.
- 4
Add the cubed chicken to the prepared marinade, tossing gently to ensure every piece is fully coated.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Use your hands (wearing gloves if preferred) to really work the marinade into the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.
- 5
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 24 hours), to allow the chicken to tenderize and absorb the rich flavors.
About 3 hr
Cook’s note: Marinating for a longer duration, especially overnight, significantly enhances the tenderness and depth of flavor in the chicken.
- 6
If using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
About 30 min
Cook’s note: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire on the grill and ensures your chicken stays securely threaded.
- 7
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 200-230°C / 400-450°F) and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: A well-oiled, preheated grill ensures beautiful char marks and prevents the chicken from sticking, making it easier to turn.
- 8
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small space (about 1/4 inch) between each piece to ensure even cooking and proper charring.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Don't overcrowd the skewers; leaving a little space allows heat to circulate around each piece, promoting even cooking and browning.
- 9
Lightly brush the skewered chicken with mustard oil before placing them on the grill.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Mustard oil adds a distinct pungent flavor characteristic of authentic tikka and helps in achieving a nice crust.
- 10
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and exhibits attractive char marks.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 74°C (165°F) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
- 11
Carefully remove the chicken tikka from the grill and transfer it to a clean plate or platter.
About 1 min
- 12
Allow the chicken tikka to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Resting meat is crucial; it prevents the juices from escaping immediately after cutting, resulting in a juicier final product.
- 13
Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that beautifully complements the rich spices of the tikka.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 379.9kcal
- Protein
- 40.7g
- Carbs
- 3.6g
- Fat
- 21.8g
- Fibre
- 1g
- Sugar
- 1.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
This Chicken Tikka is fantastic served with warm naan bread, fluffy basmati rice, or a refreshing cucumber raita. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of grilled vegetables or a simple green salad. A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold lager would pair wonderfully with the spicy flavors.
Store leftover Chicken Tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or gently in a microwave, covered, to retain moisture. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
More recipes
All recipesappetizer
Icli Kofte (Stuffed Meatballs)
These savory Turkish stuffed meatballs feature a crispy bulgur shell encasing a flavorful ground beef and walnut filling. They are traditionally fried, offering a delightful contrast of textures and rich, aromatic spices. Perfect as an appetizer or part of a mezze spread.
1 hr 20 min 898 kcaldinner
Mexican-Inspired Vegan Rice and Beans
This hearty vegan rice and beans dish is packed with flavor from aromatic vegetables and spices. It's a complete meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
55 min 385 kcalside dish
Simple Green Salad
This refreshing simple green salad is a perfect light accompaniment to any meal. It features crisp lettuce and cucumber, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Quick to prepare and wonderfully fresh.
10 min 114 kcaldessert
Seven-Up Apple Dumplings
A classic American dessert featuring whole tart apples wrapped in tender biscuit dough, then baked in a sweet, bubbly citrus-cinnamon syrup. The lemon-lime soda helps create a unique, slightly crisp glaze over the soft dumplings as they bake.
1 hr 5 mindessert
Salame al Cioccolato
Indulge in this classic Italian no-bake chocolate salami, a delightful confection featuring crushed biscuits enveloped in a rich, boozy chocolate mixture. Shaped like a cured sausage and dusted with powdered sugar, this dessert offers a unique blend of textures and deep cocoa flavor, perfect for a sophisticated sweet treat.
3 hr 20 min 271 kcalmain course
Filipino Chicken Adobo
This classic Filipino adobo recipe features succulent chicken braised in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. It's a comforting and savory dish that's perfect over steamed rice, with a balance of tangy, salty, and umami notes.
1 hr 488 kcalmain course
Classic Macaroni and Cheese
This creamy and comforting macaroni and cheese features tender pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. It's a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering.
40 min 726 kcal