Homestyle Chicken Tikka

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, garam masala, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   If using a grill, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using an oven, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Grill or bake the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
6. 6.
   Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with mint chutney or yogurt sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best results, use boneless and skinless chicken breasts. Ensure that the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the marinade.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili powder to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill or oven, you can also cook the chicken tikka on a stovetop using a grill pan or a regular non-stick pan.
• Serve the chicken tikka with naan bread or basmati rice for a complete meal.
• Leftover chicken tikka can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Chicken Tikka as an appetizer with mint chutney or yogurt sauce. It can also be served as a main course with basmati rice and a side of naan bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken tikka on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve with a side of mint chutney or yogurt sauce for dipping.