Chicken Tikka Indian Recipe
A common everyday dish in India, chicken tikka is simple to prepare and absolutely scrumptious. Throw a few vegetables on the grill alongside the chicken, simmer up a pot of basmati rice and dinner’s done!
Ingredients
~ limes, quartered
| 4 1/2 –5 | pounds | skinned and boned chicken breasts* |
| 1 | cup | full fat yogurt** |
| 2 | tablespoons | crushed garlic |
| 4 | inches | pureed ginger |
| 1/2 | small | onion |
| 1 | green chili, minced | |
| 1 ½ | tablespoons | ground coriander |
| 1 ¼ | tablespoons | ground cumin |
| 3/4 | teaspoon | ground turmeric |
| 1 ½ | teaspoons | red chili powder |
| 1/2 | teaspoon | mild Kashmiri chili powder for color, optional |
| 2 | teaspoons | salt |
| 2 | teaspoons | freshly ground black pepper |
| 3/4 | teaspoon | garam masala |
| 1/2 | small onion, sliced thinly | |
| ~ | cilantro for decoration | |
| ~ | favorite chutney | |
| *This equals approximately six large chicken breasts.**Stir the yogurt well so that it is thick—not watery— for the marinade. |
Directions
Soak wooden skewers in water for several hours or overnight before grilling.
- Cut each chicken breast into four strips, then cut each strip thirds. You will have 12 pieces for each breast. Set aside.
- Whisk the yogurt, garlic, ginger, onion, green chili, coriander, cumin, turmeric chili powders, salt, and pepper together in a spacious bowl.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate 24–48 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
- Thread the chicken pieces on skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces so that they cook well on all sides.
- Sprinkle with the garam masala.
- Grill the chicken over indirect heat--medium gas flame--or hot coals until cooked and golden--approximately 3-5 minutes. Turn the skewers several times a minute to promote even cooking. Avoid charring the meat.
- Remove from the heat and allow the skewers to rest for several minutes.
- Place the chicken tikka on a platter and serve with the lime quarters, sliced onions, cilantro and your favorite chutney.
Preparation Time:
20 minutes preparation, plus 24–48 hours marinating time.
