🥢 Introduction:
Tandoori Chicken Tikka – a dish whose name itself is enough to make your mouth water! 🍗 The taste of this smoky, spicy and juicy chicken recipe is something else. This dish is considered one of the best starters in food. If you too want to make restaurant-style Tandoori Chicken Tikka at home, then you have come to the right place.
Today, we will tell you 5 joyful easy steps to make Tandoori Chicken Tikka at home – without any tension, with full taste. So come on, let’s start this delicious journey!
🧡 Why Everyone Loves Tandoori Chicken Tikka?
Tandoori Chicken Tikka is not just a dish, it is an emotion of every food lover – especially when it has the perfect blend of curd, spices and smoky flavour. In this dish, soft chicken pieces are marinated in hung curd and Indian spices and grilled in a tandoor or oven. Result? Spicy, juicy and flavorful chicken bites that become the star of every party!
📝 Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken Tikka First of all, let's talk about the ingredients that are needed for this tasty recipe:
For marination:
Chicken Boneless (preferably thigh) – 500g
Hung Curd (dahi) – 1 cup
Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp
Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder – 2 tsp (for color)
Garam Masala – 1 tsp
Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
Cumin Powder – 1 tsp
Turmeric – ¼ tsp
Black Pepper – ½ tsp
Mustard Oil – 1 tbsp
Salt – as per taste
Optional for Smoky Flavor:
Coal (1 piece)
Ghee or butter – ½ tsp
For Garnish:
Onion Rings
Lemon Wedges
Fresh Coriander
🔥 5 Joyful Easy Steps to Make Tandoori Chicken Tikka:
Step 1: Cut and Clean the Chicken
First of all, wash the chicken boneless thigh pieces thoroughly and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Chicken breast can also be used, but thigh is more juicy and soft.
Step 2: Flavourful Marination
In a large bowl, put all the spices – hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chilli, garam masala, turmeric, mustard oil, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and coat them well.
👉 Pro Tip: Let it marinate for at least 4-6 hours, and for best results, overnight.
This step is the most important as it will give authentic taste to your Tandoori Chicken Tikka!
Step 3: Grill or Bake
Is the chicken marinated? Now you have two options:
Oven Method: Preheat oven at 220°C. Place the chicken pieces on skewers and bake for 15-20 minutes. Do not forget to flip once in between.
Tawa/Grill Pan Method: Add a little oil and grill on high flame. Cook until both sides are golden-brown and slightly charred.
Step 4: Smoky Dhuaan (Optional but WOW!)
Put hot coal in a small bowl and add ghee or butter, place it in the middle of the chicken bowl and heat it for 2-3 minutes. The smoky touch will give you the feel of real restaurant-style Tandoori Chicken Tikka.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve with Joy!
Take out the Chicken Tikka in a hot plate, top it with fresh lemon juice, onion rings and some coriander.
Tandoori Chicken Tikka is ready – absolutely tempting, juicy and full of flavor!
🍴 Tandoori Chicken Tikka With What Can I Serve?
Green Chutney & Onion Rings (Classic Combo)
Tandoori Roti or Butter Naan
Jeera Rice
Mint Raita
Drinks like Masala Soda or Sweet Lassi
💡 Tips to Make Tandoori Chicken Tikka Perfect Every Time :
Use only hung curd – watery curd spoils the texture.
The longer the marination time, the deeper the taste.
Mustard oil adds rich aroma – don’t skip it!
Cut chicken pieces in uniform size for even cooking.
Smoky effect is optional but worth it!
❤️ Emotions Behind Tandoori Chicken Tikka
Tandoori Chicken Tikka is not just a dish to eat – it is a part of a celebration. It has a different charm in every get-together, every party or weekend dinner. When the hot tikka comes on the plate and its aroma spreads – then the heart feels truly “joyful”.
🏁 Final Word – Joy in Every Bite!
If you want to enjoy cooking and make restaurant-style chicken tikka at home, then these 5 joyful easy steps are the perfect guide. A little patience, a little love and the magic of spices – and your Tandoori Chicken Tikka is ready.💥🔥
❓ Q1. Can I make Tandoori Chicken Tikka without a tandoor or oven?
A: Yes! You can cook it on a grill pan or even a regular tawa (flat pan) at home. Just ensure high heat for a nice charred effect.
❓ Q2. Is Tandoori Chicken Tikka healthy?
A: Absolutely! It’s grilled, not fried, high in protein, and low in carbs, making it a healthier non-veg option.
❓ Q3. What’s the difference between Chicken Tikka and Tandoori Chicken?
A: Chicken Tikka is boneless and marinated pieces grilled or baked, while Tandoori Chicken usually refers to bone-in pieces cooked in a tandoor.