Tandoori chicken tikka are pieces of chicken coated in the tandoori twist yogurt marinade and skewered resembling a chicken kebab! Everything on a stick tastes better and way more fun during the grilling season!
What are the differences between tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, and chicken tikka masala?!?!?!?!?!
- Tandoori chicken: whole chicken or whole pieces of chicken with bone (chicken thighs, wings, legs) marinated in yogurt/spices cooked in a tandoor oven.
- Chicken tikka: pieces of meat most common chicken breasts (boneless) marinated in yogurt/spices skewered and cooked on a grill or in a oven.
- Chicken tikka masala: marinated pieces of chicken in yogurt/spices cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Masala translates to blend of dry and fresh spices in Hindi.
Key Notes
- Marination: this is key! Whip up the marinade in minutes and let time do the work for you! 30 minutes will suffice, but 24 hours will really let the flavors sing!
- Oven, grill, or air fry: I’ve included instructions for air fry and oven. The grill well look it up!
- Dairy free substitution: Try coconut cream or non dairy yogurt.
- Basting: brushing the kebabs with melted butter, ghee, or olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist.
What to serve with chicken tikka?
- Turmeric basmati or jasmine rice (recipe below)
- Curry potato salad
- Cucumber salad
- Raita
Tandoori Chicken Tikka
Spice up your summer chicken kebabs using tandoori twist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tandoori twist
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp salt
- 2.5 lbs. chicken cut into bite size pieces (skinless/boneless) thighs or breasts
- skewers
- melted butter or olive oil for brushing
- lime wedges and dash of tandoori twist for garnishing
Turmeric Rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice (rinsed well)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- salt/pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- cilantro or parsley for garnishing
Instructions
Tandoori Chicken Tikka
- Prepare the yogurt marinade: In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, olive oil, tandoori twist, lemon juice, and salt. Add the chicken to the yogurt marinade; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hrs.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before baking. Pre-Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread onto skewers and place on an aluminum foil-lined large baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven baste with olive oil or melted butter and flip. Turn oven to 420 degrees F. and bake for another 10-12 minutes. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes for the charcoal look/flavor. Remove from oven and lightly sprinkle with tandoori twist. Serve with lime wedges!
Air Fry
- Line the drip tray of the fryer with aluminum foil. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400 Degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Baste with butter, flip, and baste with butter on the other side. Air fry for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked and slightly charred
Turmeric Rice
- Rinse rice until water runs clear, drain. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Add onion and garlic, saute until softened (3-4 minutes). Add rice and turmeric. Stir until combined.
- Add chicken broth and bay leaf, cover pan. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, allow to simmer 15-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf, fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro or parsley.
