Savor the Aromas: Homemade Chicken Tikka Recipe

Homemade Chicken Tikka Recipe

Craving the rich flavors of Indian cuisine? Look no further! Our Chicken Tikka recipe captures the essence of traditional Indian spices and grilling techniques, allowing you to create this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 3-8 hours (overnight for best results)
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 3 hours 40 minutes (minimum)

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp cooking oil or melted butter for basting
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well-blended.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the spice mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 3 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best flavor infusion.
3. Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill, broiler, or oven to a high heat setting (about 200°C or 400°F).
4. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning during the cooking process.
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
6. Place the skewers on the grill or a broiler pan if you’re using the oven. Cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally for even grilling. Baste the chicken with oil or melted butter halfway through the cooking process to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. The Chicken Tikka is done when the juices run clear and the outside has a nice charred look.
8. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lemon slices on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka with naan bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to pair it with some cool mint chutney or a creamy raita to balance the heat!

Notes:

• For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Adjust the amount of red chili powder based on your heat preference.
• You can also use boneless chicken breast, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.