Are you looking for a delicious and easy chicken tikka recipe that you can make at home? Look no further! In this article, I will share my homemade chicken tikka recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds. With a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can recreate this authentic Indian dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this chicken tikka recipe is perfect for you. So, let’s get started!

Throughout this article, I will guide you through the process of making chicken tikka from scratch, including marinating the chicken, preparing the spice blend, grilling the chicken to perfection, and making a delicious masala sauce to accompany it. You’ll also learn some tips and tricks for serving and presenting your dish, as well as some variations and pairing suggestions to experiment with. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy chicken tikka recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients for Chicken Tikka

In order to prepare an authentic chicken tikka dish, you will need to source the following ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces	600g
Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt	200g
Ginger, grated	1 tablespoon
Garlic, minced	1 tablespoon
Garam masala	2 teaspoons
Cumin	1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Paprika	1/2 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Skewers	As needed

Gather all of the required ingredients before you begin cooking to ensure that you have everything you need for a smooth cooking process and a satisfying end result.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken for chicken tikka is an essential step that helps infuse the meat with the perfect blend of spices and flavours. Here’s how to make chicken tikka marinade for the authentic chicken tikka recipe:

Ingredients	Measuring Unit	Quantity
Chicken breast fillets	grams	500
Yogurt	grams	100
Lemon juice	tablespoon	2
Ginger paste	teaspoon	1
Garlic paste	teaspoon	1
Garam masala	teaspoon	2
Cumin powder	teaspoon	1
Coriander powder	teaspoon	1
Turmeric powder	teaspoon	1
Red chilli powder	teaspoon	1
Salt	teaspoon	1

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Add all the other ingredients to the bowl and mix well until the chicken pieces are coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature.

Note: You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less red chilli powder to the marinade.

Preparing the Spice Blend

One of the key elements that make chicken tikka such a beloved dish is the spice blend. Aromatic and flavourful spices are combined to create a unique blend that will tantalize your taste buds. The traditional spice blend for chicken tikka consists of a mix of cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. You can adjust the spice levels to your liking by altering the amount of chili powder you use.
Note: If you are making the spice blend from scratch, it’s advisable to use whole spices and dry roast them for better flavour.

Here’s a table of the ingredients required to prepare the spice blend for chicken tikka:

Ingredient	Quantity
Cumin	2 teaspoons
Coriander	2 teaspoons
Garam masala	1 teaspoon
Turmeric	1/2 teaspoon
Paprika	1/2 teaspoon
Chili powder	1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Combine all the spices in a bowl and mix well.
2. At this point, you can dry roast the spices in a pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavours, but this is optional.
3. Your spice blend is now ready to be used. Add it to the marinated chicken pieces or sprinkle it over the chicken before grilling.

Tip: You can make extra spice blend and store it in an airtight container for future use.

Grilling the Chicken Tikka

With the chicken marinated and the spice blend ready, it’s time to put those pieces on the grill (or barbecue) and work your magic. Follow these steps to achieve a juicy and charred exterior with a tender and succulent interior:

1. Preheat the grill (or barbecue) to medium-high heat. If you have a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are white-hot before grilling.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
3. Brush the chicken with a little oil to help prevent it from sticking to the grill.
4. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with a nicely charred exterior.
5. Remove the chicken from the skewers and transfer to a serving dish.

Once you’ve grilled the chicken tikka to perfection, it’s time to enjoy your labor of love. Serve it with your choice of accompaniments, such as naan bread, cucumber yogurt raita, or steamed rice.

Making the Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce

Chicken tikka masala sauce is an essential companion to the grilled chicken tikka, adding a rich and creamy touch to the dish. Follow these steps to create a luscious sauce that complements the flavor of the chicken tikka perfectly.

1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add 1 chopped onion. Saute until the onions turn golden brown.
2. Add 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, and 1 chopped green chilli. Saute for another minute.
3. Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and tender. You can also use canned tomatoes for a quick and convenient option.
4. Add the spice blend that we prepared in Section 4 and mix well. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
5. Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool down. Once cooled, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
6. Return the mixture to the pan and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Add salt to taste.
7. Your chicken tikka masala sauce is now ready to be served with the grilled chicken tikka.

Pro tip: You can also add a dash of honey or sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. For a vegan version, replace the cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

Adding Spice and Heat

If you’re a fan of bold and spicy flavors, you’ll love this spicy chicken tikka recipe. Follow the steps below to create a fiery version of this authentic chicken tikka recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

Instructions:

1. Follow the recipe for authentic chicken tikka, but add the above-listed spices to the marinade mixture.
2. If you want an extra kick, add some chopped green chillies to the marinade.
3. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight, depending on your taste preferences.
4. After grilling, sprinkle some more cayenne pepper and red chilli powder on the chicken tikka for an extra spicy finish.

Adjust the level of heat to your liking for an explosive flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve with cooling cucumber raita and a side of freshly baked garlic naan bread for a delicious meal.

Serving and Presentation

Once your delicious chicken tikka is ready, it’s time to focus on the presentation. A well-presented dish not only looks appetizing but can also enhance the overall dining experience. In this section, I will provide you with some tips and tricks to serve and present your chicken tikka dish in style.

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs

A simple yet effective way to add some color and freshness to your chicken tikka dish is by garnishing it with some fresh herbs. Coriander leaves work well, but you can also experiment with mint or parsley. Chop them finely and sprinkle them on top of your chicken tikka to give it a more vibrant appearance.

2. Use a Decorative Platter

The platter you serve your chicken tikka on can make a big difference in the overall presentation. Opt for a decorative one that complements the colors of your dish. For example, a wooden or terracotta platter with some intricate designs can add elegance to your dining table.

3. Accompany with Chutney, Raita, or Pickles

Pair your chicken tikka with some traditional Indian accompaniments like chutney, raita, or pickles, to add more flavor and texture to your meal. Mint chutney, mango chutney, or mixed pickles work well. You can also prepare a simple onion and tomato raita with some yogurt, onions, and tomatoes for a more refreshing taste.

4. Serve with Naan Bread or Rice

Chicken tikka is best enjoyed with some naan bread or rice. Naan bread is a delicious leavened bread that goes well with the spicy flavors of chicken tikka. If rice is your preferred option, try some fragrant basmati rice, mixed with some saffron strands, for a more luxurious dining experience.

Follow these tips to present your authentic chicken tikka recipe in the best possible way. Remember, a beautifully presented dish can make all the difference in creating a memorable dining experience.

Variations and Tips

Looking to add a personal touch to your easy homemade chicken tikka? Here, I’ll walk you through some ideas for creative variations and helpful tips to switch things up.

1. Switch up the protein

Chicken tikka doesn’t have to be made with chicken! Try substituting the chicken with paneer, tofu, or even fish for a delicious twist.

2. Spice it up

If you’re a fan of spice, try adding some chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper to your spice blend for an extra kick. Alternatively, you can tone down the heat by reducing the amount of chili powder or omitting it altogether.

3. Experiment with marinades

While the traditional yogurt-based marinade is delicious, don’t be afraid to get creative with different marinades. Try a tomato-based marinade for a tangier flavor or a coconut milk-based marinade for a creamier texture.

4. Grill outdoors

Take your chicken tikka to the next level by grilling it outdoors on a charcoal or gas grill. The smoky flavor will enhance the dish and make for an unforgettable dining experience.

5. Serve with a side salad

Want to balance out the richness of the chicken tikka? Serve it with a fresh salad of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion, seasoned with lemon juice and chaat masala.

6. Beverage pairing

Pair your homemade chicken tikka with a refreshing beverage like a mango lassi, sweet rosewater syrup, or a cold beer to cut through the spices.

With these variations and tips, you can make easy homemade chicken tikka your own, and impress your guests with your culinary creativity!

Pairing Suggestions

Chicken tikka is a flavourful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, bread and beverages. Here are some suggestions to bring out the best in your homemade chicken tikka recipe:

Side Dishes:

• Naan bread
• Vegetable Biryani
• Samosas

Beverages:

• Mango Lassi
• Chilled Beer
• Spiced Chai Tea

For a complete dining experience, serve your chicken tikka dish with a side salad and raita, a traditional yogurt-based dip. Experiment with different combinations to find your personal favourite. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Thank you for reading my easy chicken tikka recipe. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a homemade dish that captures the authentic taste of Indian cuisine. The key to making an authentic chicken tikka recipe is to use the right combination of spices in the marination and prepare the spice blend using high-quality ingredients.

Grilling the chicken tikka on skewers gives it a smoky flavor, and making a rich and creamy chicken tikka masala sauce takes it to a whole new level. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences and get creative with the presentation and accompaniments.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this authentic chicken tikka recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a mouthwatering end result. So why not gather the ingredients and give it a try? I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the results.

Thank you for choosing this chicken tikka recipe, and I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do.

FAQ

Is chicken tikka spicy?

The spice level of chicken tikka can be adjusted according to individual preferences. If you prefer a mild flavor, you can reduce the amount of spices used. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, adding extra chili powder or a chopped green chili can increase the heat.

Can I use boneless chicken for chicken tikka?

Yes, boneless chicken, such as chicken breast or thigh, works well for chicken tikka. Ensure that the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces to facilitate even cooking.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse. However, for best results, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is recommended as it results in juicier and more flavorful chicken tikka.

Can I make chicken tikka without a grill?

Yes, if you do not have access to a grill, you can still make delicious chicken tikka using an oven or stovetop. Simply bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or cook it in a pan over medium heat until cooked through and slightly charred.

Can I freeze chicken tikka?

Yes, you can freeze chicken tikka for later use. Cook the chicken tikka as per the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with chicken tikka?

Chicken tikka is often served with naan bread or basmati rice. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt raita, mint chutney, or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast of flavors.

Can I use a store-bought tikka masala sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a quick and convenient option, you can use store-bought tikka masala sauce instead of making it from scratch. Choose a good quality brand that complements the flavors of the grilled chicken tikka.

Can chicken tikka be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken tikka ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is especially useful for meal planning or when hosting a gathering. Simply reheat the chicken tikka in a preheated oven or microwave before serving.

Can I use a different meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe and use other meats, such as lamb or prawns, instead of chicken, to create different variations of tikka. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type and size of the meat.

Is chicken tikka gluten-free?

Chicken tikka is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and other ingredients. Make sure to check the labels of store-bought spice blends or sauces to ensure they are gluten-free, or prepare your own spice blend using gluten-free spices.