Chicken Tikka
Pakistani-Indian grilled chicken cubes marinated in yogurt and warm spices — the classic tikka with bright red color and charred edges. Best with naan and mint chutney.
Prep Time
11 min
Cook Time
18 min
Servings
6
Calories
236 cal
🛠 Interactive Recipe Tools — Use them right here on this page
Smart Servings Scaler
- Chicken750 g
- Yogurt¾ cup
- Tandoori Masala1 ½
- Cumin1 ½ tsp
- Paprika1 ½ tsp
All quantities scaled automatically from 6 servings.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust
- Chicken750 g
- Yogurt0.75 cup
- Tandoori Masala1.5
- Cumin1.5 tsp
- Paprika1.5 tsp
Instructions
- 1
Cube 1.5 lb of boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Pat dry.
- 2
Marinate at least 4 hours: ½ cup hung yogurt, 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon mustard oil.
- 3
Thread onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
- 4
Heat grill, grill pan, or broiler to highest setting. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, turning twice total, until charred outside and cooked through (165°F internal).
- 5
Brush with melted butter just before serving.
- 6
Sprinkle with chaat masala, chopped cilantro, lemon wedges. Serve with sliced onion, mint chutney, and naan or basmati rice.
Watch how to make Chicken Tikka
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💡 Expert Tips
- 1.Hung yogurt only. Watery yogurt = runny marinade.
- 2.Cornstarch in marinade. Helps it cling, creates slight crispy coating.
- 3.Maximum heat. Char is the goal.
- 4.Chaat masala at end. Signature finish.
🔬 Why It Works
Chicken tikka succeeds with proper marinade (yogurt tenderizes via lactic acid, spices penetrate), high-heat cooking (creates char that defines tikka), and the right cornstarch coating. The Kashmiri chili gives signature red color without overwhelming heat.
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4.6
218 home cooks rated this
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)
* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.
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