Cheesy Chicken Tikka Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken Tikka is an indulgent and flavor-packed appetizer that combines tender, marinated chicken pieces with a rich, cheesy coating. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful snack, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and smoky notes. The chicken is marinated twice, once in a blend of aromatic spices and once more with cheese, cream, and other savory ingredients. You can cook this dish using either an oven or stovetop, depending on your preference. Serve it with a refreshing Pudina Dahi Chutney and your favorite sides to elevate the experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken (preferably thigh pieces) | 500 grams |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Egg | 1 |
| Grated Cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh Cream | 4 tablespoons |
| Corn Flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 3 |
| Fresh Coriander (finely chopped) | 5 tablespoons |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mace Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (for brushing) | As needed |
| Tomato (sliced) | 1/2 |
| Onion (sliced) | 1/2 |
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Wash and Clean the Chicken: Start by thoroughly washing and cleaning the boneless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering.
Step 2: First Marination
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with grated ginger, minced garlic, black pepper powder, and lemon juice.
- Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes. This initial marination allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
Step 3: Second Marination
- In a separate bowl, combine egg, grated cheese, fresh cream, corn flour, chopped green chillies, finely chopped coriander leaves, nutmeg powder, mace powder, garam masala powder, and salt to taste.
- After the first marination, add the chicken pieces into this mixture. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture.
- Cover the bowl again and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors fully.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken Tikka
You can choose to cook the Cheesy Chicken Tikka either in the oven or on the stovetop, depending on your convenience.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly grease the tray with oil or butter.
- Take wooden or metal skewers and grease them with oil or butter.
- Skewer the marinated chicken pieces, placing about 4 to 5 pieces on each skewer.
- Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking tray, drizzle some oil or butter over the chicken, and place the tray in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through (after 7-8 minutes) to ensure even cooking.
- If the tikkas seem to be drying out, brush them with some more oil or butter during the cooking process.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a tava (griddle) or large pan over medium heat and add some butter.
- Once the butter starts to sizzle, add the skewers with the marinated chicken pieces.
- Cook the chicken, turning the skewers occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides. This process should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on the heat.
Step 5: Serving the Cheesy Chicken Tikka
- Once the chicken is cooked, serve it hot with sliced tomato and onion on the side. You can also drizzle a little extra melted butter over the chicken for added flavor.
- For the perfect pairing, serve the Cheesy Chicken Tikka with a refreshing Pudina Dahi Chutney and perhaps an additional appetizer like Smoked Tandoori Paneer Tikka.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Tikka
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. If you can, marinate it overnight for the best results.
- Grill or Bake: If you prefer a smokier flavor, try grilling the chicken over a charcoal flame or using a grill pan for that authentic tandoori taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the level of green chillies and garam masala to suit your spice tolerance.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
This Cheesy Chicken Tikka recipe is a perfect combination of creamy and spicy, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re preparing for a casual dinner or a party, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser.
