Grilled Chicken Tikka Recipe
Total Time: 32 minutes (not including marination time)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
This delightful Grilled Chicken Tikka recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors, carefully adapted from a collection of traditional recipes to suit our family’s taste preferences. The chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring each bite is succulent and bursting with aromatic spices. While the cooking time varies based on your grill’s heat and the size of your chicken cubes, the result is a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy this dish with fresh lime wedges to enhance its vibrant flavors!
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 2 | tablespoons fresh lemon juice |
| 1 | cup plain yogurt |
| 1 | tablespoon garlic, minced |
| 1 | tablespoon ginger, minced |
| ½ | teaspoon ground cumin |
| ½ | teaspoon ground turmeric |
| ⅓ | teaspoon cayenne pepper |
| ⅓ | teaspoon salt |
| freshly ground black pepper, to taste | |
| butter, for brushing | |
| olive oil, for brushing | |
| lime wedges, for serving |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 64.6 mg |
| Sodium | 326.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 21.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cleaning your boneless skinless chicken breasts, ensuring they are free from any unwanted pieces. Once cleaned, cut the chicken into evenly-sized cubes, suitable for threading onto skewers. This ensures even cooking and beautiful presentation on the grill. -
Marinate the Chicken:
To allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken, take a fork and prick the chicken cubes multiple times. This will help the marinade infuse into the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the prepared chicken cubes, mixing well to coat the chicken. Set this aside to begin the marinating process. -
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and fragrant marinade. -
Combine Chicken and Marinade:
Once your marinade is ready, gently place the chicken cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Stir well, ensuring that each piece of chicken is fully coated with the rich, spiced yogurt mixture. For the best flavor and tenderness, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours; however, if time allows, a marination period of 4 to 6 hours will yield even better results. -
Skewer the Chicken:
After marination, it’s time to prepare your skewers. Carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, ensuring they are packed snugly but not too tightly, allowing for even cooking. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning. -
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high, allowing it to reach a nice flame. This high temperature is crucial for achieving those coveted grill marks and a delicious char on your chicken. Ensure that the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. -
Grill the Chicken:
Once your grill is ready, place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil to enhance flavor and moisture during cooking. Grill the chicken for approximately 6 minutes on one side. -
Flip and Finish Cooking:
After 6 minutes, it’s time to turn the skewers over carefully. Brush the newly exposed side with more butter or olive oil and grill for another 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have beautiful char marks, and the edges may be slightly crisped. -
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps to lock in the juices. Serve the Grilled Chicken Tikka hot, accompanied by fresh lime wedges for an added burst of citrusy goodness. Squeeze the lime over the chicken pieces just before enjoying for an enhanced flavor experience.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This Grilled Chicken Tikka is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome and healthy dish that brings together the vibrant spices of Indian cuisine with the lightness of grilled chicken. Pair it with a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious creation!
