Chicken tikka is a popular Indian dish that consists of small pieces of boneless chicken that are marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, and then grilled or baked to perfection. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for serving as a main course or as part of a larger meal.
To make chicken tikka, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until each piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
- When you’re ready to cook the chicken, preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- If using a grill, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred in places.
- If using an oven, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned on the edges.
- Serve the chicken tikka hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. This dish pairs well with naan bread or rice, and can be served with a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken tikka, and savor the rich and complex flavors of this classic Indian dish!
