Chicken Tikka Recipe

This delectable Chicken Tikka recipe is a quintessential Punjabi appetizer that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary repertoire. With tender pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect for gatherings or as a sumptuous treat for yourself. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Time

Servings

| Servings | 4 |

Cuisine

| Cuisine | Punjabi |

Course

| Course | Appetizer |

Diet

| Diet | Non-Vegetarian |

Instructions

To start, take your boneless chicken and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Let this marinate for about one hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Next, heat a saucepan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, introduce the ajwain seeds, letting them splutter for a few seconds, releasing their aromatic essence. Reduce the heat slightly and add the gram flour (besan). Cook this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously until the gram flour turns golden brown and develops a lovely roasted aroma. After this, switch off the heat and set it aside to cool.

Now, return to the marinated chicken and introduce the yogurt, red chili powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and the cooled gram flour mixture. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in this vibrant spice mixture. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for another hour; this extra chilling time helps intensify the flavors.

After the chicken has marinated for an additional hour, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Take the marinated chicken pieces and carefully thread them onto wooden skewers, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. Once the grill pan is hot, gently place the skewers on it.

Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally, until all sides are beautifully charred and the chicken is cooked through, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The aim is to achieve a tantalizing balance of smoky flavor and juicy tenderness.

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve your Chicken Tikka hot, accompanied by refreshing Dahi Pudina Chutney and tangy pickled onions for a delightful starter that will impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chicken Tikka with a cooling yogurt dip, such as Dahi Pudina Chutney, and complement it with pickled onions for an authentic touch. This combination not only enhances the flavors but also creates a vibrant, colorful presentation on your dining table.

With this Chicken Tikka recipe, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering dish that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Punjabi cuisine, perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Enjoy the rich aromas and vibrant flavors that this dish brings to your culinary table!