Chicken Tikka: A mouth-watering blend of spices and flavors

Chicken Tikka Kebab is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, typically made by marinating small pieces of chicken in a spicy yogurt-based marinade and then grilling them on skewers. The marinade typically includes a blend of spices such as cumin, chili, turmeric, and ginger, as well as yogurt and lemon juice to help tenderize the chicken. The skewers of chicken are grilled over hot coals or in a tandoor oven, which gives the meat a smoky, charred flavor.

CategoryDifficultyBeginner

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time40 mins

Initial Marination - set aside for 30 mins
 600 g Boneless Chicken, cut into 2 inch tikka pieces
 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
 Salt, as per taste
 2 tsp Lemon juice
Second Marination
 ½ cup Hung curd/ Thick curd
 ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
 1 tsp Cumin powder
 1 tsp Garam Masala
 5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
 1 tsp Kasuri Methi, dry
 Salt, as per taste
 2 tbsp Oil
Other Ingredients
 Oil for pan frying
 Chat masala powder, sprinkle

1

Initially marinate the chicken with ginger-garlic paste, Salt and Lemon juice. Set the Marinated chicken aside for 30 mins.

2

For the second marination, In a bowl add some hung curd, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, Kashmiri red chilli powder, Kasuri methi, salt and Oil. Mix them all very well.
Now add the marinated chicken to the second marination masala and coat them all well.

3

Marinate the chicken for at least 3 to 4 hours.

4

After the chicken is marinated, thread them to Bamboo skewers.
Note: Soak the skewers in water for 30 mins before using them.

5

Heat a griddle pan, and grease the pan generously with oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken skewers and cook the chicken for 10-15 mins on each side.
Note: You can cook the chicken tikka in an oven at 250 deg Celsius for 20 to 30 mins( 10 to 15 mins on each side).

6

Baste the chicken tikka with the oil from the pan to keep them moist and juicy.

7

Chicken Tikka is now ready. Serve with green Salad and mint chutney.

Ingredients

Initial Marination - set aside for 30 mins
 600 g Boneless Chicken, cut into 2 inch tikka pieces
 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
 Salt, as per taste
 2 tsp Lemon juice
Second Marination
 ½ cup Hung curd/ Thick curd
 ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
 1 tsp Cumin powder
 1 tsp Garam Masala
 5 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
 1 tsp Kasuri Methi, dry
 Salt, as per taste
 2 tbsp Oil
Other Ingredients
 Oil for pan frying
 Chat masala powder, sprinkle

Directions

1

Initially marinate the chicken with ginger-garlic paste, Salt and Lemon juice. Set the Marinated chicken aside for 30 mins.

2

For the second marination, In a bowl add some hung curd, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, Kashmiri red chilli powder, Kasuri methi, salt and Oil. Mix them all very well.
Now add the marinated chicken to the second marination masala and coat them all well.

3

Marinate the chicken for at least 3 to 4 hours.

4

After the chicken is marinated, thread them to Bamboo skewers.
Note: Soak the skewers in water for 30 mins before using them.

5

Heat a griddle pan, and grease the pan generously with oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken skewers and cook the chicken for 10-15 mins on each side.
Note: You can cook the chicken tikka in an oven at 250 deg Celsius for 20 to 30 mins( 10 to 15 mins on each side).

6

Baste the chicken tikka with the oil from the pan to keep them moist and juicy.

7

Chicken Tikka is now ready. Serve with green Salad and mint chutney.

Chicken Tikka

The dish is often served with a mint chutney or yogurt raita, and it is typically accompanied by rice or naan bread. Chicken Tikka Kebab is a popular street food in India and is also commonly found in Indian restaurants around the world. It is a healthy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main course.

It is worth mentioning that Chicken Tikka Kebab is not just popular in India but also in other countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom, where it is enjoyed as a popular street food and in restaurants. It is also found in different variations such as the famous Chicken Tikka Masala, which is a popular dish in the UK and other parts of the world.

Tips

  • Marinate the chicken overnight: Marinating the chicken in a yogurt and spice marinade overnight helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  • Use high-quality, fresh ingredients: To make the best Chicken Tikka Kebab, use high-quality, fresh ingredients such as yogurt, spices, and chicken.
  • Cut the chicken into small pieces: Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces so that they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Use skewers: Skewering the chicken before grilling helps to keep the pieces of chicken together and makes it easy to turn them while grilling.
  • Grill over high heat: Grill the Chicken Tikka Kebab over high heat to give it a nice char and smoky flavor.
  • Turn frequently: Turn the skewers frequently to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly on all sides.
  • Baste with marinade: Baste the chicken with the marinade while grilling to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
  • Serve with mint chutney or yogurt raita: The mint chutney and yogurt raita are a perfect accompaniment to the Chicken Tikka Kebab, providing a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
  • Cook in a tandoor oven: A tandoor oven is a traditional way to cook Chicken Tikka Kebab and it will give it a distinct smoky flavor.
  • Be careful with seasoning: Be careful not to over-season the chicken, as the marinade and the spices will be added during the cooking process.

FAQs

Q: What are the main ingredients in Chicken Tikka Kebab?
A: The main ingredients in Chicken Tikka Kebab include chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, and ginger.

Q: Can I use other types of meat for Chicken Tikka Kebab?
A: Chicken Tikka Kebab is traditionally made with chicken, but you can also use other types of meat such as lamb, beef, or even vegetables.

Q: How can I make Chicken Tikka Kebab more flavorful?
A: To make Chicken Tikka Kebab more flavorful, use high-quality, fresh ingredients, marinate the chicken overnight, and baste with the marinade while grilling.

Q: How can I cook Chicken Tikka Kebab if I don’t have a grill?
A: Chicken Tikka Kebab can also be cooked in an oven or on a stovetop griddle.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but for best results, it’s recommended to marinate it overnight.

Q: How long should I grill Chicken Tikka Kebab for?
A: Grill Chicken Tikka Kebab for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Kebab?
A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Tikka Kebab, but it’s best to freeze it before grilling.

Q: Can I make Chicken Tikka Kebab in advance?
A: Yes, you can make Chicken Tikka Kebab in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before grilling.

Q: What are some traditional sides to serve with Chicken Tikka Kebab?
A: Some traditional sides to serve with Chicken Tikka Kebab include mint chutney, yogurt raita, rice, and naan bread.

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