Homemade Chicken Tikka Recipe (Tandoori Tikka)

Chicken Tikka, or Murgh Tikka, is a dish adored since ancient times all over the world and is believed to be of subcontinental origin. Small pieces of chicken, boneless and marinated in yogurt and spices, are grilled or roasted, mainly in a tandoor, and served with chutneys or in other dishes such as its special Masala. 

More About Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is a dish that involves marinating chunks of boneless chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices and grilling or roasting them to perfection. The word ‘tikka’ means ‘pieces’ or ‘bits’ in Hindi and Urdu, describing the stylistic preparation of the dish. Typically, it is served as an appetizer or a base for Chicken Tikka Masala.

Ingredients

For the Marination

1. Chicken: 600g of boneless chicken (preferably thighs or breasts)
2. Yogurt: 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
3. Lemon Juice: juice from ½ lemon

Spices

1. cayenne pepper: 1 teaspoon
2. paprika: 1 teaspoon
3. cumin powder: ½ teaspoon
4. turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
5. coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
6. cinnamon powder: ¼ teaspoon

Aromatics:

1. 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
2. 1 stick ginger (grated)
3. Optional: Natural Red Food Coloring for Better Color
4. Salt: a pinch

For Cooking

Cooking oil or ghee to be brushed

Chicken Tikka Step-by-Step Recipe

Preparation

• Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
• In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices, garlic, ginger, and salt.
• Add the pieces to the marinade and coat well.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours at a minimum. It tastes better the next day.

Cooking

Preheat the Grill or Oven:

• When using a grill, be sure to preheat it to medium-high.
• When cooking in an oven, preheat to 200°C (390°F).

Clip the Chicken

• Once the grill is ready, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
• Grill for 10-15 minutes or until done, turning constantly.
• If cooking in the oven, place chicken pieces on a baking tray and roast for about 20-25 minutes until done or slightly charred. 

Brushing with Oil/Ghee

Brush mildly with oil or ghee whilst cooking to enhance flavor and avoid drying out.

Serve Hot

Take off the skewers and serve with mint chutney and wedges of lemon or naan bread.

Variations of the starter dish

• Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken): Pieces of it soaked in a tomato creamy sauce comprised of butter and cream with spices such as fenugreek leaves and cardamom.
• Chicken Tikka Masala: Roasted in a Spiced Tomato Cream Sauce.
• Tandoori Chicken Tikka: Traditionally cooked using a tandoor clay oven for smoky flavor.
• Spicy Green: The marinade used for this dish contains green chili paste and coriander leaves to add heat and freshness.
• Pakora Recipes: Crisp, fried pakoras are made from marinated vegetables that are dipped in gram flour batter and then deep fried.
• Kebabs: The difference is just this involves processing meat through a meat mincer with various spices before it is grilled.

Our Other Dishes are give below:

• 1. Chicken Jalfrezi
• 2. Chicken Karahi Recipe
• 3. Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Tips of Perfect Chicken Tikka

• Perfect Marination Time: The longer it is left, the deeper the flavors develop; overnight marination gives the best flavors.
• Method of Cooking: Grill or tandoor, they both give the best smoky flavor. For convenience oven or stove works fine as well.
• Do not overcook. Cook this until tender and juicy, but not overdone, since this will dry out the meat. 
• Serving Suggestions: It should be enjoyed together with mint chutney, raita, naan bread, or basmati rice.

Calories in Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is generally healthy when consumed with lean protein and less oil for cooking. On average, A serving of it contains about 250-300 calories. Very Protein Rich (approx. 30 g protein per serving, quite low-carb, derived from a low-carbohydrate diet. 

Cultural Significance of Chicken Tikka 

Chicken Tikka has gained international eminence apart from being an important ethnic food in Indian gastronomy because of its versatility. It is the most favorite dish for Britain. It has its roots in the traditional tandoori way of cooking, which has been improved over the decades.

Health Benefits of Eating Chicken Tikka

High Quality Protein

It is rich in protein, and it will be essential for muscle growth as well as repairing muscles. Servings of it contribute in the neighborhood of 30-40 grams of protein per serving, thus making it ideal for someone whose consumption goal is maintaining or developing muscle mass.

Weight Control

High protein content in it makes it ideal for weight control and controls Appetite. Also, it helps speed up the metabolism so that one can lose weight.

Bone Health

The effects of it have essential amino acids that reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in an older individual’s skeletal composition, especially in their very old age.

Nutrient Rich

The meat is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, which helps reduce cholesterol levels and homocysteine in the heart and, thus, promotes cardiovascular health. Apart from these, vitamin A is also found and helps maintain health.

Nutritional Values of Chicken Tikka

It is an ideal in nutrition by itself, but different variations in cooking preparation, together with accompaniments, can make it different. Most traditional recipes included yogurt and spices, which were excellent. When heavy sauces like those used in Masala are added, the calorie and fat counts can exceed it. Health benefits would be maximized by choosing grilled or baked wfoods without excessive cream.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka is one of those old dishes that keep simplicity and bold flavors in such a way that no one can resist it, be it as an appetizer or any of its combinations, such as Butter Chicken or Masala. It is a party favorite across cultures. This recipe shows why Murgh Tikka will continue to earn its place as a culinary icon throughout the world because it combines the rich marinade with a smoky taste.

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