Pineapple Chicken Tikka Recipe
Pineapple Chicken Tikka is a delightful fusion of juicy chicken, tropical pineapple, and a medley of Indian spices, all grilled to perfection. This high-protein, North Indian-inspired appetizer is perfect for any gathering or as a flavorful accompaniment to your main course. Serve it with fragrant jeera rice, cooling raita, and a sweet treat like carrot halwa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cut into 1½-inch cubes) | 200 grams |
| Pineapple (cut into triangles) | 1 medium-sized |
| Sunflower oil (for tossing) | As needed |
| Hung curd (Greek yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic (ground to paste) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (ground to paste) | 1-inch piece |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, powdered) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fennel seeds (roasted, ground to powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (carom seeds) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (dhania) | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | ¾ teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | ¾ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Black salt (kala namak) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Marination Time | 30 minutes to overnight |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes to several hours (including marination) |
Servings
- Serves: 4
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare your Pineapple Chicken Tikka:
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the hung curd and gram flour until smooth and lump-free.
- Using a mortar and pestle, pound the ginger, garlic, and kasuri methi to create a coarse paste.
- Add the fennel seeds and ajwain to the paste and pound again until blended.
- Combine the paste with the yogurt mixture.
- Mix in cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, black salt, and regular salt. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Marinate the Chicken and Pineapple
- Place the chicken cubes and pineapple triangles in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken and pineapple, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour. For the best results, marinate overnight.
3. Assemble the Skewers
- Thread the marinated chicken and pineapple alternately onto skewers, ensuring a balanced ratio of both ingredients.
- Repeat the process for all the skewers.
4. Grill the Tikka
- Heat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with sunflower oil.
- Place the skewers on the pan and drizzle a small amount of oil or ghee over them.
- Reduce the heat to low once the skewers start to smoke slightly.
- Cook each skewer for about 1 minute on each side, turning frequently to ensure even charring.
- Continue grilling until the chicken is fully cooked and the pineapple is caramelized.
- Allow the skewers to rest on the grill for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple Chicken Tikka hot with:
- Jeera Rice: A fragrant cumin-infused rice that complements the smoky flavors.
- Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based dip that balances the spice.
- Carrot Halwa: A rich and sweet Indian dessert to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
This Pineapple Chicken Tikka recipe blends smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, creating a dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests. It’s the perfect example of how a simple marinade and a few key ingredients can transform into a culinary masterpiece. Try it today and bring restaurant-quality flavors to your table!
