Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka is a traditional Indian dish made by marinating bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken in a mixture of spices, yoghurt, and other seasonings. The marinated chicken is then grilled or baked to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat with a slightly charred exterior. The dish is known for its tangy and slightly spicy flavour and is often served as a starter or as a main course with rice or bread. Chicken Tikka is a staple of Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Garlic and ginger paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 1 tsp Chilli powder (optional)
• salt, to taste
• oil for brushing

Some restaurants add a small amount of orange or red food colouring to this dish, it will not affect the flavour in the slightest but can be added if your local take-a-way uses it and your attempting to get the same look. 

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger and garlic, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chilli powder(if using), and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix until they are well coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
6. Place the chicken pieces on skewers and then under the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred in places.

This Chicken Tikka also cooks fantastic on a BBQ in the summer which adds an authentic smokey flavour to the cooked meat, 

Chicken tikka is a great starter on its own or can be used in a variety of curries as a pre-cooked ingredient.