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Authentic Tandoori Chicken Tikka Recipe – Perfectly Spiced and Smoky

Close-Up Photo of Tandoori Chicken Being Roasted

Tandoori Chicken Tikka is one of the well-known appetizers native to India with the characteristic taste of grilled chicken, tender texture, and hot color of fresh red often resembling fire. Favorite with most people, this recipe is a timeless one, consisting of marinated chicken spiced up with yogurt to complement the Indian palate. Tandoori chicken tikka was first cooked in a smokeless oven invented by the Mughals from Central Asia and called ‘tandoor,’ the direct cooking technique of food over burning charcoal gave the chicken a nice smoky flavor). But I assure you that it can be made at home with an oven or grill, making you get the flavorful Tandoori Chicken Tikka.

The Secret to Perfect Tandoori Chicken Tikka

Let me tell you that the secret to getting that superb Tandoori Chicken Tikka is all in the marinade. Batter-coated chicken chunks preferably from boneless chicken breast or thighs seasoned with ground spices are soaked in a coarse yogurt paste. Doctor-recommended ingredients like ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, and Kashmiri red chili powder are necessary to get those flavors. In the marinade, yogurt serves to make the chicken tender, and the use of spices gives it a baked flavor and kick. The marinade should stay on for not less than two hours to ensure that the chicken is well-soaked and acquires its natural juicy melting texture.

One final thing that makes a good Tandoori Chicken Tikka is the smokiness of the dish. While the original method of preparing the Chicken tikka is by roasting over the flaming tandoori furnace or grill you can simulate and obtain a similar effect at home by barbecuing the marinated chicken. The basting with butter when grilling allows you to get nice grill marks and a richer taste. On the other hand, grilling the chicken also came out nice and brown, and a very even browning at that when baked at high heat.

A Visual and Tasty Treat

Plate of Tandoori Chicken Tikka

What makes Tandoori Chicken Tikka stand out is its deep red color. It is done by use of Kashmiri red chili powder, which helps in coloring the food and at the same time not making it very hot. To give the pudding a splash of color, one or two drops of red food coloring may be added but this is not compulsory. The dish is appetizing and visually appealing when one looks at it, the color will make you anticipate a great blend of spices. When garnished with green chutney, fresh onion slices, and lemon wedges it looks and tastes like a king’s meal, the Tandoori Chicken Tikka.

Health Benefits of Tandoori Chicken Tikka

Tandoori Chicken Tikka on Black Charcoal Grill

This recipe of Tandoori Chicken Tikka also consists of proteins and thus can be recommended for healthy appetizer seekers. Additionally, the foods applied in the preparation of the recipe, for instance, turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory importance. In the same vein, the yogurt that was used to prepare the marinade is full of probiotics to help with digestion. In addition, Tandoori Chicken Tikka has one of the lowest carb values among the dishes examined and should not be prohibited for a low-carb diet. While this is fried or cooked in an oven like grilling the juices are locked in and it is less fatty than most appetizers.

Versatile Serving Options

Top View of a Plate with Roasted Chicken

Tandoori Chicken Tikka is best taken as an appetizer, although, it could also be taken as a meal. You can accompany it with naan, rice, or a fresh salad and make the full meal out of it. Tandoori Chicken Tikka tastes smoky and spicy and can be eaten with any other grain, vegetables, or meats that you would take with other Indian dishes. It is also ideal for social events since the food can be prepared beforehand and grilled immediately, serving the tasty smell and taste to the distressed company.

Try More Recipe:- Rogan Josh Lamb Curry Recipe – Rich, Aromatic, and Full of Flavor

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Rest Time: 10 mins Total Time: 45 mins
Servings 4
Calories 250
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Tandoori Chicken Tikka is one of the famous Indian starters prepared from boneless chicken cooked with yogurt and seasoning powder to yield nice color and taste. Originally prepared in a tandoor – a clay oven – it can be barbequed or roasted at home too. This delicious dish you are definitely going to love and it goes well with green chutney and lemon.

Ingredients
  • 500 boneless 500g chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup thick yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tandoori masala (or garam masala if unavailable)
  • 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild spice)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp black salt
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for marination)
  • Butter or oil (for basting)
  • Optional Ingredients:
  • 1/2 tsp chaat masala (for added tanginess)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
  • 1 drops 1-2 of red food coloring (for a vibrant red hue, optional)
Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken

    Wash and pat dry the chicken pieces. Trim any excess fat and cut them into 1-inch cubes.

    In a bowl, add the chicken pieces and coat them with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to tenderize.

  2. Make the Marinade

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk the thick yogurt until smooth.

    Add ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, black salt, and regular salt.

    Mix in the vegetable oil. If you want a brighter color, add a couple of drops of red food coloring.

    Mix everything well to create a smooth and thick marinade.

  3. Marinate the Chicken

    Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to let the flavors infuse deeply.

  4. Preheat and Prepare for Cooking

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill for medium-high heat.

    Line a baking tray with foil or lightly grease the grill grates.

    If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

  5. Cooking Methods

    Oven: Place the skewers or chicken pieces on the baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Baste with melted butter or oil and cook until the chicken is slightly charred at the edges.

    Grill: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, basting with butter occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and has a charred appearance.

  6. Serving

    Once done, remove the Tandoori Chicken Tikka from the oven or grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

    Sprinkle chaat masala on top for added flavor and serve hot with lemon wedges, onion slices, and green chutney.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 82mg28%
Sodium 766mg32%
Potassium 635mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 4g
Protein 28g57%

Vitamin A 1830 IU
Vitamin C 70 mg
Calcium 56 mg
Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Serve with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh mint or coriander chutney
Keywords: Tandoori Chicken Tikka recipe, How to make Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken Tikka ingredients, Tandoori Chicken Tikka marinade
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