Grilled Chicken Tikka

By
Petrina Verma Sarkar
Petrina Verma Sarkar
Food writer Petrina Verma Sarkar is a native of India with extensive knowledge of the country's regional cuisines.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/29/22
Tested by
Diana Andrews
Diana Andrews
Tested by Diana Andrews
Diana has served as head recipe developer and editor for the Emmy-nominated PBS series Moveable Feast, food editor and test kitchen manager at Fine Cooking Magazine, and recipe developer and product tester at Food Network. 
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Marinate Time: 12 hrs
Total: 12 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings

The word tikka means bits, pieces, or chunks in India. Chicken tikka is an easy-to-cook dish in which pieces of chicken are marinated in special spices and then grilled on skewers. This is one of India's most popular dishes. Chicken tikka can also be made into chicken tikka masala, where the grilled chicken pieces are added to a tasty gravy.

Traditionally, chicken tikka is baked in a clay oven called a tandoor, which basically makes this recipe a boneless chicken version of the Indian dish tandoori chicken. Since most of us don't have a tandoor, using a grill or the oven is a good alternative. Enjoy this chicken tikka with warm naan or serve as an appetizer for your next party.

Chicken tikka

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, more finely chopped for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons ginger paste

  • 3 tablespoons garlic paste

  • 3 to 4 tablespoons garam masala

  • 6 peppercorns, or 2 small dry red chilies

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon orange food coloring, optional

  • 1 cup plain yogurt

  • 2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch chunks

  • 1 large onion, sliced into thin rings

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala, more to taste

  • Naan or basmati rice, for serving

  • Lime or lemon wedges, for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Grilled Chicken Tikka
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  2. Add the coriander, ginger, garlic, garam masala, peppercorns, salt, and food coloring, if using, to the bowl of a food processor. Process into a smooth paste, scraping down the bowl occasionally.

    Spices in a food processor
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  3. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl with a silicone spatula. Add the yogurt, and adjust the seasonings to taste. Add the chicken pieces, tossing to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.

    Tikka marinade
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  4. Thread the chicken onto skewers leaving some space between each piece so the chicken cooks evenly. Preheat a grill to medium-high or position a rack in the upper portion of the oven and preheat to 400 F.

    Chicken tikka skewers
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  5. Place the skewers on the grill or in your oven with a tray underneath to catch drippings. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.

    Grilled Chicken Tikka
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  6. Put the onion rings in a separate bowl and squeeze lime juice over them. Sprinkle the chaat masala over and mix well so the onions are fully coated.

    Red onions, lime, and tikka seasoning
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  7. Top the chicken with the prepared onions, garnish with remaining coriander and serve with naan or Basmati rice. Enjoy!

    Remove from skewers and put the chicken on a plate.
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Tips

  • You need to plan ahead when making this dish as the chicken should sit in the yogurt and spice marinade overnight.
  • If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for 10 minutes in water before threading the chicken. This helps keeps the wood from burning.

What's the Difference Between Chicken Tikka and Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken tikka is a grilled or roasted dish where the meat is marinated in yogurt and a mix of spices. Chicken tikka masala has the same flavors but includes a sauce or gravy that often also includes tomatoes.

Is Chicken Tikka Spicy?

The level of spice in your chicken tikka will depend on if you use chili peppers or not. Typically, chicken tikka is flavorful but not especially spicy. The yogurt helps to minimize any real spice in the dish.