Freshtohome Blog

From Marination to Presentation: Perfecting Chicken Tikka Dishes & Tikka Masala

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most mouth-watering tikka chicken dishes! Chicken tikka dishes are a staple in Indian cuisine, known for their marinated pieces of chicken that are grilled to perfection. 

Did you know? The word “tikka” means bits or pieces, and this dish is all about juicy, flavorful morsels of chicken. 

The magic of these dishes lies in their smoky, spicy flavours and succulent texture. But today, we’re taking it a step further with chicken tikka masala, combining the best of grilled chicken with creamy, spicy curry.

INGREDIENTS FOR CHICKEN TIKKA DISHES

For the chicken tikka
→ FreshToHome antibiotic residue free chicken thighs: 1 kg, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Yogurt: 1 cup
→ Ginger garlic paste: 2 tbsps
→ Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
→ Garam masala: 2 tsps
→ Red chilli powder: 2 tsps
→ Cumin powder: 1 tsp
→ Coriander powder: 1 tsp
→ Juice of 1 lemon
→ Vegetable oil: 2 tbsps
→ Salt to taste 

For The Chicken Tikka Sauce
→ Butter: 2 tbsps
→ Onion: 1 large
→ Tomatoes: 2 nos, pureed
→ Heavy cream: 1 cup
→ Garam masala: 2 tsps
→ Salt to taste
→ Sugar to taste

STEP 1
MARINADE MAGIC → Prep for perfection:
In a large bowl, mix the yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

STEP 2
TASTE ALCHEMY → Fire Up The Grill:

Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and brush with oil. Place the skewers on the grill or a baking sheet if using an oven. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. 

STEP 3
GET SAUCY → A winning combination:
If you’re craving a saucier chicken tikka masala, here’s a quick chicken tikka sauce recipe:

1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown.
2. Add the tomato puree, garam masala, and salt. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate from the tomatoes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Step 4:
SERVE WITH STYLE → Plate Your Masterpiece:
Serve your chicken tikka masala with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. 

Getting Creative with Tikka Chicken 

• From Afghanistan, with love

For a unique twist, try the Afghani chicken tikka recipe. The marinade includes yogurt, cream, ginger-garlic paste, white pepper, and a touch of cardamom. This variation is less spicy but incredibly creamy and flavorful. The process remains the same: marinate, grill, and enjoy!

• Green with deliciousness

In the mood for green chicken tikka? Blend the cilantro, mint, and green chilies into a paste and add to the marinade. Follow the remaining steps as is, and you’re all set for a delicious, spicy flavour journey. 

Tandoori Chicken Tips & Reminders 

• A Cut Above The Rest

We recommend using chicken thighs over breasts for this recipe, as the thighs are juicier and more flavorful. But you could also use the breasts in a pinch—no stress!

• Marination is Key

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. The longer, the better, as this allows the yoghurt and lemon to tenderise the chicken and the species to soak in. 

• Smoke out the flavour

For the ultimate chicken tikka grill experience, use a charcoal grill to infuse a smoky flavour.

And there you have it! An easy, fun tikka chicken recipe that covers everything from making chicken tikka to creating a luscious chicken tikka curry recipe. Whether you’re in the mood for a dry, grilled appetiser or a rich, creamy curry, this guide has got you covered. Gather your chicken tikka masala ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress with these delectable chicken tikka dishes. Happy cooking, and may your tikka chicken be as delightful as your culinary journey!