Delicious Home Made Chicken Tikka Recipe -Step by Step Guide

Learn how to make delicious chicken tikka at home with our easy-to-follow step-by-step guide. Get expert cooking tips for cleaning, or marinating.

Origin of Chicken Tikka

Chicken tikka is a popular Indian dish that consists of small pieces of marinated chicken that are grilled or baked in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven. The exact origin of chicken tikka is not known, but it is believed to have originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

Chicken Tikka Recipe

Tikka in Hindi means "bits" or "pieces," so chicken tikka simply refers to pieces of chicken that have been marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt. The dish has been a popular street food in India and Pakistan for many years, and it is now enjoyed in many parts of the world.

In the early 20th century, the dish gained popularity in the United Kingdom, where it was served in Indian restaurants. Today, chicken tikka is one of the most popular dishes in Indian cuisine, and it has become a staple on menus in Indian restaurants around the world.

How to Select Chicken for Chicken Tikka

• When selecting chicken for making chicken tikka, it's important to choose the right type of chicken and to ensure that it is fresh and of good quality. Here are some tips to help you select the best chicken for chicken tikka:
• Choose boneless chicken: Boneless chicken is easier to work with when making chicken tikka. You can use chicken breast or thigh meat, depending on your preference.
• Look for fresh chicken: When buying chicken, make sure it is fresh and has not been frozen. Check the expiration date on the package to ensure that it is still fresh.
• Check the color and texture: The chicken should be pink and have a firm texture. Avoid chicken that looks grayish or has a slimy texture, as these can be signs of spoilage.
• Choose organic or free-range chicken: If possible, choose organic or free-range chicken as these are generally healthier and more flavorful than conventionally raised chicken.
• Trim any excess fat: Before marinating the chicken, trim any excess fat or skin as this can affect the texture and flavor of the chicken tikka.
• By following these tips, you can select the best chicken for making delicious and flavorful chicken tikka.

How to Clean Chicken for Chicken Tikka

• Properly cleaning chicken is important for ensuring that it is safe to eat and that it has a good flavor. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean chicken for making chicken tikka:
• Remove the chicken from its packaging and place it on a clean cutting board.
• Rinse the chicken under cold running water to remove any excess blood or debris. Use your fingers to gently rub the chicken to remove any dirt or other impurities.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, if necessary, and remove any excess fat or skin.
• Prepare a marinade for the chicken by mixing together yogurt, spices, and other ingredients, as desired.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to ensure that each piece is coated with the marinade.
• Cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results.
• By following these steps, you can properly clean and prepare the chicken for making delicious and flavorful chicken tikka. It's important to remember to clean any surfaces or utensils that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Chicken Tikka Recipe

Here's a step-by-step Process for Making Chicken Tikka Recipe:

• Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
• Marinating time: 2-3 hours or overnight
• Cooking time: 10-15 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours 15 minutes (including marinating time)
• Serves: 4-6 people (depending on serving size)

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil
• Skewers

For garnish:

• Lemon wedges
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well until the marinade is smooth and all the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, making sure each piece is coated evenly. You can use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken for the best results.
4. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and makes it more tender.
5. When you are ready to cook, soak the skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. This is an important step as it prevents the skewers from catching fire while cooking.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat up a grill. If you are using an oven, place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and lightly grease it with oil.
7. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and ensures that each piece gets a nice char.
8. Brush the chicken pieces with oil and place them on the preheated grill or in the oven. If using an oven, place the skewers on the wire rack and bake for 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. If using a grill, cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
9. Once done, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keeps the chicken moist.
10. Serve the chicken tikka hot, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped cilantro. You can also serve it with a side of naan bread or rice for a complete meal.
11. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful chicken tikka!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making Chicken Tikka

• Sure, here are some tips to keep in mind when making chicken tikka:
• Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the marinade to get the best flavor and texture.
• Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces: Cutting the chicken into even-sized pieces ensures that they cook evenly and are tender and juicy.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours: Marinating the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and makes it tender.
• Soak the skewers in water: Soaking the skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them will prevent them from burning.
• Preheat the oven or grill: Preheating the oven or grill before cooking the chicken ensures that it cooks evenly and quickly.
• Don't overcrowd the skewers: Leave a little space between each chicken piece on the skewers to allow them to cook evenly and avoid sticking.
• Baste the chicken with oil: Brushing the chicken pieces with oil while cooking them adds flavor and prevents them from drying out.
• Rest the chicken before serving: Let the chicken tikka rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to distribute evenly and make it more tender.
• By following these tips, you'll be able to make delicious and flavorful chicken tikka that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Nutritional Value of Chicken Tikka

The nutritional value of chicken tikka can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used. However, here is a general nutritional breakdown for 1 serving (3-4 skewers or 6-8 pieces) of chicken tikka made with boneless chicken breast and the traditional yogurt-based marinade:

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 12-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugar: 2-3 grams
• Sodium: 400-500 milligrams

Please note that the nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. It is always recommended to check the nutritional information on the packaging of the ingredients used and adjust the serving size accordingly.

Interesting Facts and Stories of Chicken Tikka

• Chicken tikka is a popular dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent, and it has an interesting history and many fascinating facts associated with it. Here are some interesting facts and stories about chicken tikka:
• Origin of chicken tikka: Chicken tikka is believed to have originated in the Mughal era in India, where it was called "tandoori chicken." The dish was originally made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor (clay oven) until it was charred and smoky.
• The name "tikka": The word "tikka" means "bits" or "pieces," and it refers to the bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated and grilled in the dish.
• A royal connection: It is said that chicken tikka was a favorite dish of the Mughal emperor, Akbar the Great, and it was served in his court.
• Popularity in the UK: Chicken tikka is a popular dish in the UK and is considered one of the national dishes. In fact, it is said that there are more Indian restaurants in London than in Mumbai and Delhi combined!
• A global phenomenon: Chicken tikka has become popular all over the world and is enjoyed in many countries. It is also a popular dish at Indian weddings and festivals.
• Variations of chicken tikka: There are many variations of chicken tikka, including the addition of different spices and flavors. In fact, there is a vegetarian version of the dish called "paneer tikka," which is made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) instead of chicken.
• Guinness World Record: In 2012, a restaurant in Dubai created the world's largest chicken tikka by grilling a chicken tikka that weighed over 1000 kg!
• Health benefits: Chicken tikka is a healthy and protein-rich dish, as it is made with lean chicken and is low in fat. It also contains many spices, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• In conclusion, chicken tikka is not just a delicious dish but also has a rich history and many fascinating stories associated with it. It is enjoyed all over the world and continues to be a favorite among food lovers everywhere.