Cheesy Chicken Tikka Recipe
Tikka recipes are a staple of Indian appetizers, offering a delicious blend of marinated meats with aromatic spices and smoky flavors. This Cheesy Chicken Tikka recipe is a particularly indulgent variant, where both fresh cream and cheese are added to the marinade to create a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced dish. A hit at any party, these chicken tikkas are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates, making them a must-try appetizer for your next gathering. The combination of tender chicken, tangy yogurt, and aromatic spices brings together all the flavors you love, while the addition of cheese and cream gives it an irresistible richness.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Below is the list of ingredients needed to make this mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken Tikka:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken | 500 grams (preferably thigh pieces) |
| Ginger | 2 teaspoons (grated) |
| Garlic | 3 teaspoons (minced) |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Egg | 1 whole |
| Cheese | 1 cup (grated) |
| Fresh cream | 4 tablespoons |
| Corn flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chillies | 3 (finely chopped) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 5 tablespoons (finely chopped) |
| Nutmeg powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mace powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted) | For brushing |
| Tomato | 1/2 (sliced) |
| Onion | 1/2 (sliced) |
Preparation Time
- Total Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time
- Total Cook Time: 15 minutes
Instructions
First Marination:
- Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the boneless chicken pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a mixing bowl, add the cleaned chicken pieces, grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix the ingredients well, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps infuse the chicken with the initial flavors.
Second Marination:
- After the first marination is complete, prepare the second marinade. In a separate bowl, combine the whole egg, grated cheese, fresh cream, corn flour, chopped green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, nutmeg powder, mace powder, garam masala powder, and salt.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces into the second marinade mixture. Ensure each piece of chicken is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat.
Cooking the Tikka:
You can cook the Cheesy Chicken Tikka using either the oven method or stove-top method, depending on your preferences.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
- Skewer the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers. You can fit around 4-5 pieces on each skewer.
- Place the skewers on the prepared baking tray. Drizzle some oil or melted butter over the chicken pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 7-8 minutes, turn the skewers so the chicken cooks evenly on both sides.
- If the chicken appears to be drying out, you can brush some additional butter or oil over it.
- Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven.
Stove Top Method:
- Heat a tava or griddle (flat pan) over medium heat and add a little butter to grease the surface.
- Once the butter begins to sizzle, place the marinated chicken skewers onto the tava.
- Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly and turns golden brown on all sides.
- Continue cooking for around 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a beautiful char on the outside.
Serving:
- Once the Cheesy Chicken Tikka is ready, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. You can garnish them with fresh coriander leaves and serve with slices of onion and tomato for a fresh crunch.
- For an added burst of flavor, serve with a refreshing dip like Pudina Dahi Chutney (Mint Yogurt Chutney) or your favorite chutney.
- These tikkas pair wonderfully with other appetizers like Smoked Tandoori Paneer Tikka for a complete party platter.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Tikka:
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. If you have the time, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Cheese Selection: You can use any cheese you like for this recipe, but a good melting cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or processed cheese works best for that creamy texture.
- Grilling Alternative: If you prefer a more smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Just ensure the grill is preheated and the chicken is skewered securely.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you like your tikkas a little crispier, you can broil them for a couple of minutes at the end of baking to get a nice crispy edge.
Enjoy this indulgent and creamy Cheesy Chicken Tikka at your next gathering! It’s a flavorful appetizer that promises to impress your guests and fill their hearts with warmth and spice.
