Chicken Tikka is a classic Indian dish known for its tender and flavorful grilled chicken. This recipe features succulent cubes of skinless chicken breast or thigh fillet marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, Greek-style yogurt, and fresh herbs. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a deliciously charred and juicy dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family.
The marinade, made with grated ginger, crushed garlic, chili powder, turmeric, salt, Greek-style yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh coriander leaves, infuses the chicken with a vibrant combination of flavors. Preparing the marinade in advance allows the chicken to soak up the flavors and become incredibly tender.
Once marinated, the chicken is grilled until cooked through, turning and basting with sunflower oil to achieve a beautiful golden brown exterior. Serve the Chicken Tikka hot, and enjoy the tantalizing flavors and aromatic spices that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India.
INGREDIENTS:
- 450g/1lb skinless chicken breast or thigh fillet, cubed
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh root ginger
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 150ml/5fl oz low-fat Greek-style yogurt
- 50ml/2fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
PREPARATIONS:
- In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the sunflower oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat. Line a flameproof dish with foil and place a grill tray on top.
- Arrange the marinated chicken cubes on the grill tray and baste them with sunflower oil.
- Once the grill is hot enough, grill the chicken for 15-20 minutes, turning and basting with oil three times during the cooking process. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a nicely charred exterior.
- Serve the Chicken Tikka hot, garnished with additional chopped coriander leaves if desired.
TIPS:
- For additional smokiness, you can cook the Chicken Tikka on a barbecue grill.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them can help prevent them from burning during grilling. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers for a different presentation and easy serving.
- Serve the Chicken Tikka with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
YIELD: Serves 6
Chicken Tikka is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of India to your table. The tender cubes of chicken breast or thigh fillet are marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, yogurt, and fresh herbs, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Preparing the marinade in advance allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become incredibly tender. The combination of grated ginger, crushed garlic, chili powder, turmeric, salt, Greek-style yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh coriander leaves creates a harmonious blend of flavors that infuse the chicken.
Grilling the marinated chicken enhances its taste and texture, creating a deliciously charred and juicy dish. Basting the chicken with sunflower oil during grilling adds a beautiful golden brown color and adds to the overall flavor.
Serve the Chicken Tikka hot, garnished with additional chopped coriander leaves, and pair it with naan bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The vibrant spices and tender chicken are sure to impress your guests and transport them to the streets of India.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a flavorful meal, Chicken Tikka is a versatile and delicious option. Its bold flavors and succulent chicken make it a favorite choice for both Indian cuisine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Try this recipe and enjoy the authentic taste of Chicken Tikka in the comfort of your own home.
