‘Chicken Tikka’ is one of the most popular starters in Indian cuisine. Its aroma, red colour and mouth-watering taste attract food lovers all over the world. It is prepared in a ‘Tandoor’ (clay oven), but in modern times it can also be prepared wonderfully on an oven or gas stove. In this article, let’s know all the details about Chicken Tikka, from its history to its preparation.
Ingredients Needed
The whole flavor of chicken tikka lies in the ‘marination’ it is soaked in.
Main Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken: 500 grams (cut into pieces)
- Curd: 1 cup (thick curd without water)
- Ginger garlic paste: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
- Butter or oil: Enough for frying
Masala powder:
- Kashmiri chilli powder (for good colour): 2 tablespoons
- Turmeric: ½ teaspoon
- Garam masala: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
- Juminous powder: 1 teaspoon
- Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek): 1 teaspoon (crushed)
- Chaat masala: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: Enough to taste
- Black salt: A little (enhances flavour)
For extra flavour (optional):
- Onion, chopped into large pieces
- Capsicum slices
- Pinch of red chilli powder (For hotel style)
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Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cleaning the Chicken
First, wash the chicken pieces well with water and put them in a sieve. There should be no water in the meat. Make sure the pieces are about 1.5 inches in size.
Step 2: First Marinade
Take the chicken pieces in a bowl, add lemon juice, ginger garlic paste and a little salt and mix well. Keep aside for at least 20-30 minutes. This will make the chicken soft inside.
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Step 3: Second Marinade
Now take a large bowl and add the strained thick curd in it. Add all the above mentioned spice powders (chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, kasoori methi) and mix well. Add the previously marinated chicken pieces to this mixture and mix until all the spices are absorbed.
Important Note: The longer the chicken is marinated, the tastier it will be. It is better to keep it in the fridge for 4-6 hours or overnight if possible.
Step 4: Thread the chicken onto the skewers
If you have metal or bamboo skewers, thread the chicken pieces onto them. You can also add onion and capsicum slices in between to make it look pretty and tasty. (Before using the bamboo skewers, soak them in water for half an hour, otherwise they will burn).
Cooking Methods
Method 1: On the stove top/tawa
If you don’t have an oven, you can use a wide non-stick pan.
- Heat the pan and add a little butter or oil.
- Place the chicken skewers on the pan and fry over medium heat.
- Turn the pieces every 2-3 minutes.
- Cook until the pieces are charred all around.
- Finally, brush with butter so that they brown well.
Method 2: In the oven/grill
- Preheat the oven to 240°C.
- Line a baking tray with aluminium foil and place the skewers on it.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
- Take them out once in the middle, brush with butter, turn the pieces and grill again for another 5 minutes.
Method 3: Traditional charcoal grill
- This gives a real ‘tandoor’ flavour. The smoky flavor is amazing when the pieces are turned over the fire.
Smoky Touch Tip
If you want to get that smoky hotel-like aroma even if you make it on a pan:
Place a small steel bowl in the middle of the pan with the chicken. Heat a small piece of charcoal until it is red hot and place it in the bowl. As soon as you put a spoonful of ghee on it, smoke will come out. If you immediately cover the pan and leave it for 5 minutes, the smoke aroma will stick to the chicken pieces and give them a tandoori flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle a little chaat masala on the hot chicken tikkas.
- It is very good to eat with mint chutney.
- Keep lemon slices and thinly sliced onion rings on the side.
- It can also be eaten with rumali roti or naan.
Benefits of Chicken Tikka (Nutrition Facts)
- Chicken tikka is not a deep-fried dish, it is grilled, so it is good for health.
- Protein: It is high in protein.
- Low in calories: It is low in oil and can be consumed in moderation by those who want to lose weight.
- Metabolism: Ginger, garlic and lemon juice aid in digestion.
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Conclusion
Chicken tikka is very easy to make, but all it takes is a little patience and proper marinating. If you follow the tips mentioned above, you can get restaurant-style taste at home. Enjoy this dish at kitty parties, birthday parties or as a special Sunday meal.
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