Chicken tikka is a popular Indian dish made with marinated and grilled chicken pieces. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare chicken tikka:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, paprika or red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to the highest broil setting.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. If using an oven, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and broil for 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven. Brush the chicken tikka with melted butter or vegetable oil for added flavor and shine.
- Serve the chicken tikka hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and lemon wedges. You can enjoy it as an appetizer or as a main course with naan bread, rice, or your favorite side dishes.