Chicken Tikka

A Delicious Homemade Chicken Tikka: Full Recipe & Chef-Style Tips

If you’ve ever tasted Chicken Tikka at an Indian restaurant, you know how irresistible it is—the smoky aroma, the vibrant orange color, and the juicy, tender bites full of warm spices. The good news? You can recreate that same magic right at home. This recipe is simple, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers authentic flavor without needing a tandoor oven.

Let’s dive into how to make Chicken Tikka that tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant’s—maybe even better.

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⭐ What Is Chicken Tikka?

Chicken Tikka is a classic Indian dish made from chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted or grilled until slightly charred. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a tandoor, but a regular oven, stovetop grill, or even an air fryer works beautifully.

The secret lies in the marinade—creamy yogurt + bold spices + fresh aromatics.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 600g (about 1.3 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into medium cubes
  (Thighs stay juicier!)

For the Marinade

• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably thick)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or finely grated)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1½ tsp cumin powder

• 1½ tsp coriander powder

• 1–2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika for mild heat + color)

• 1 tsp garam masala

• Optional: a few drops of orange food coloring for that restaurant glow

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp melted butter or ghee

• Skewers (optional)

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🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry—this helps the marinade stick better and ensures a perfect char when cooking.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine:

• yogurt

• lemon juice

• ginger-garlic paste

• all spices

• oil

Mix until smooth and aromatic. Don’t rush this step—the marinade should smell so good you almost want to taste it.

3. Marinate

Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly.
Cover the bowl and let it rest:

• Minimum: 1 hour

• Best: 6–12 hours in the fridge

The longer it marinates, the softer and more flavorful the chicken becomes.

4. Cook the Chicken

You can choose your cooking method:

a) Oven Method (Best for Even Cooking)

• Preheat to 220°C / 425°F.

• Line a tray with foil and place a wire rack on top.

• Arrange the chicken pieces or skewers on the rack.

• Brush lightly with melted butter.

• Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Broil the last 2–3 minutes for extra char.

b) Stovetop Grill or Pan

• Heat a grill pan with a little oil.

• Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until charred on both sides.

c) Air Fryer

• 200°C / 390°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking once in the middle.

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🍽️ How to Serve Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka pairs perfectly with:

• Mint-yogurt chutney

• Fresh lemon wedges

• Sliced onions

• Naan, roti, or basmati rice

For a fuller meal, turn it into Chicken Tikka Masala by simmering the cooked tikka in a creamy tomato sauce.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Extra Flavor

• Use thigh meat for tenderness.

• Don’t skip the yogurt—it breaks down proteins naturally.

• High heat = better char, just like in a tandoor.

• Let the chicken rest 2–3 minutes after cooking; it stays juicier.

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🧡 Final Thoughts

Making Chicken Tikka at home is easier than you think. The marinade does most of the work, and the result is a beautifully spiced, juicy dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. Once you try this recipe, it might just become one of your go-to favorites.

If you’d like, I can also write:

• a shorter version

• a blog-style intro

• a social-media caption

• or a Chicken Tikka Masala version

Just tell me!