Creamy Chicken Tikkas
From a collection of renowned Indian cookbooks curated by master chefs, this Creamy Chicken Tikkas recipe promises a delightful explosion of flavors. It’s a dish that transforms tender chicken pieces into a savory, creamy, and aromatic treat, perfect for any occasion. After exploring various versions of this recipe, I found that this particular method stands out for its unique blend of ingredients and preparation techniques. Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that promises to bring a taste of India right to your table!
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 60 green chilies, finely chopped
- 8 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped
- 4 teaspoons ground mace
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup cornflour
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 12 minutes
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by marinating the chicken cubes. In a bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, salt, and white pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them marinate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. -
Prepare the Creamy Marinade:
In a separate bowl, mix together the beaten egg, grated cheddar cheese, finely chopped green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, ground mace, ground nutmeg, cornflour, and cream. This will form a rich, creamy marinade that will give the chicken its luscious texture and flavor. -
Combine and Marinate:
Add the creamy marinade to the marinated chicken. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the mixture. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful flavors from the marinade. -
Preheat and Skewer:
Preheat your oven to 275°F (137°C). Skewer the marinated chicken cubes, placing them about 2 cm apart on the skewers. -
Roasting:
Place the skewers in the preheated oven or on a grill or tandoor. Roast the chicken for about 5 to 8 minutes. The goal is to cook the chicken until it’s just done, with a slightly crispy exterior. -
Final Touches:
After roasting, hang the skewers for 3 to 5 minutes to allow any excess marinade to drain off. Brush the chicken with melted butter and return to the oven or grill for an additional 3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crisp finish. -
Serve:
Serve the Creamy Chicken Tikkas hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves, tomato slices, and lemon wedges. This dish pairs beautifully with naan or rice.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinade Usage: If you have any leftover marinade, consider freezing it for future use. It can be reused for paneer (cottage cheese) tikkas, added to scrambled eggs, or incorporated into a chicken casserole. I personally dislike throwing away such delicious remnants!
- Thickening Sauces: If your marinade lacks egg and cream, you can thicken it and serve it as a side sauce to accompany the tikkas.
This recipe is not only a feast for the palate but also an impressive way to showcase your culinary skills. Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of this creamy, spiced chicken dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. 🍗✨
