Chicken Tikka Recipe: A Delicious Journey into Authentic Indian Cuisine

Chicken Tikka is a popular dish from the Punjab region of India. It involves marinating chicken in spices and yoghurt before cooking. This dish is typically prepared using skewers in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven. Chicken Tikka is often served with yellow rice and a spicy salad, making it a delightful meal.

• 675g (1.5 lb) skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced into cubes
• 1 tbsp mustard seed oil
• 50 ml (2 fl oz) milk
• 150 ml (5 fl oz) natural yoghurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
• 4 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1-4 chopped fresh red chillies
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt (preferably rock salt)

• Non-metallic mixing bowl
• Skewers
• Tandoor or grill

Procedure

1. Add all ingredients except the chicken to a non-metallic mixing bowl and mix well.
2. Add the chicken and mix until fully coated.
3. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Fresh chicken can marinate for up to 48 hours for best results.
4. Place the marinated chicken on skewers and cook in a tandoor or under a medium grill for 5-8 minutes on each side.
5. Ensure the chicken is cooked throughout before serving. It should come apart easily when pressed with a fork.
6. Serve with naan or rice, or use in Chicken Tikka Masala.

Nutritional Values

This recipe can be adapted by using different meats like lamb or mutton. Mustard seed oil may not be available everywhere. You can make an alternative by crackling mustard seeds in hot vegetable or olive oil. Chicken Tikka can be served as a main dish or an appetiser, offering flexibility in how you enjoy it.