Easy Chicken Tikka Recipe
This Easy Chicken Tikka recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic way to enjoy tender, marinated chicken with a perfect charred finish. Marinated overnight in a blend of spices, lemon juice, and vinegar, the chicken can be cooked on the stove, in the oven, or on an outdoor grill to suit your preference. Ideal for a delicious and authentic Indian-inspired meal that serves four.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken cut into leg and breast pieces
Marinade
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper powder
- 2 tsp Red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder (zeera)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala powder (all spice powder)
- 1 tbsp Garlic ginger paste
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 3 pinches orange food color
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Make horizontal cuts on chicken: Add horizontal cuts on your chicken pieces to ensure all the marinade can penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare marinade: In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, vinegar, garam masala, garlic ginger paste, coriander powder, orange food color, and oil thoroughly.
- Marinate chicken: In a flat dish, place chicken pieces and rub the marinade generously over all surfaces, including cuts and edges, to ensure even coating.
- Refrigerate: Cover the marinated chicken and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Bring to room temperature: Take out the chicken 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature for even cooking.
- Cook chicken (choose one method):
- On Stove: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a grill or frying pan over high heat. Grill chicken pieces for 3 minutes on each side to char and seal juices. Then, cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the pieces, cover again, and cook for another 8 minutes. Serve hot.
- In the Oven: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a grill pan or frying pan, grill chicken pieces over high heat for 3 minutes each side for char. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (374°F) for 30 minutes. Serve hot.
- On Outdoor BBQ Grill: Grill chicken pieces over medium-high heat, flipping and brushing them with oil every 5 minutes to keep juices sealed. Continue until nicely charred and cooked through, approximately 20 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
- Marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness.
- Make horizontal cuts to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
- Adjust chili powder to control spiciness according to your taste.
- Orange food color is optional and traditionally used to enhance the visual appeal.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/easy-chicken-tikka-recipe/
