Chicken tikka kebab recipe
Chicken Tikka kebab | Tandoori Chicken Tikka recipe
Chicken tikka is absolutely first choice when we talk about any kebabs. A juicy, succulent and crisp cubes of chicken with green chutney is always everyone's favorite. These yogurt marinated chicken pieces are traditionally cooked over charcoal fire untill they become golden and crisp.Aromatic spice powder like garam masala, chilli powder, cumin powder and herbs like ginger, garlic and coriander are used to make thise succulent and juicy kebab.
Chicken tikka kebab is a versatile dish and healthy too. You can have those perfectly charred shewers of kebab with some fresh salads for a full meal.. The best part of this recipe is that you can make them without an oven or tandoor at home. Here I bring you the step by step guide on how to make chicken tikka kebab at home by easy method with less ingredients. The best thing about kebab are their smoky flavour. They are the perfect choice for any cocktail party or dinner events. The
chicken pieces, marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, turn a delightful
shade of orange-red as they are grilled to perfection. The edges of the chicken pieces are charred to
a smoky crispiness, while the insides remain incredibly tender and juicy. With each bite, you can experience a blend of tanginess from the yogurt and lemon, a subtle warmth from the spices, and a smoky note from the grill. You can either use chicken thigh or breast to make tikka kebab but thigh part is recommended as it doesn't become dry quickly. Marination is very important to make any tikka or kebab perfectly. If you want the kebab to be juicy and tender then you need to follow a good marination process. We at restaurants always prefer a two step marination process. These not only helps to make the kebab soft and juicy but also tender and succulent.
Its origins can be traced back to the Mughal era in Indian sub-continent. The Mughals were known for their culinary expertise, and they introduced the concept of tandoor cooking to India. Tandoors are traditional clay ovens that impart a unique flavor and texture to dishes.
Here are some more tikka and kebab recipes that you can make at home.
What is chicken tikka kebab
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a popular and delicious Indian dish made from marinated pieces of boneless chicken that are skewered and grilled or roasted to perfection. It's known for its tender, succulent texture and a burst of bold flavors from a marinade of yogurt and a blend of aromatic spices. Boneless chunks of chicken marinated in a spiced yoghurt based marination and cooked traditionally in a charcoal fire till crisp, succulent and tender is called chicken tikka kebab. These juicy tikka kebabs are best to serve with cilantro mint chutney.
How to cook chicken tikka kebab
Traditionally these chicken tikka kebabs are cooked over charcoal fire either by using a tandoor or bbq grill to the perfection. Smoky is a distinct flavor which you can get while cooking over fire. It is not possible for everyone to have a tandoor at home so the best alternatives are Oven, Pan, tawa or air fryer.
Time taken for the recipe
The total time taken to make these tikka kebab is around thirty minutes which includes fifteen minutes of preparation time and another fifteen minutes of cooking time. The time required for marinating them is excluded which may vary. The ideal time to marinate them is around two to three hours. Overnight marination is best.
How to serve chicken tikka kebab
Serve these delicious and yummy chicken tikka kebab with green chutney, lemon wedges and onion slices. Squeeze some lemon juice and sprinkle some chat masala over them can make a huge difference in its taste and flavour. You can take some green salads and breads for a complete meal with them. I love some tossed green salad and butter naan with these juicy kebab. If you love recipes with tandoori masala then this article is perfect for you to try at home 15 incredible recipes made with tandoori masala.
Chicken tikka kebab recipe video
Make ahead options
You can keep the marinated chicken for upto three days in freezer and remove them fifteen minutes before your dinner or other social events. Just thread them in shewer and cook for 15 minutes. Keep them in a zip lock bag.
Ingredients required to make the recipe
There are some basic ingredients required to make and most of them are available in your pantry. Or you can easily get them at any grocery store.
Chicken : generally they are made by using boneless and skinless chicken legs. But you can use chicken breast as well. All you need is to cut the breasts into thin slice cubes as shown below picture.
Yoghurt : less sour yoghurt is good for the marinate. It is best to use overnight hung curd for best result.
Lemon : a must to have ingredients for a juicy and succulent chicken tikka kebab.
Spice powder : basic spices powder like red chilli powder, turmeric powder, roasted cumin powder, garam masala powder.
Ginger and garlic : they are especial for making any tikka and kebab. I have used the paste, you can either use grated or chopped.
Oil : vegetable oil, olive oil or even mustard oil can be used. Mustard oil has a high burning point so it is good to use while cooking over fire.
Salt and chat masala : chat masala gives an extra twist when you sprinkle them before serving.
Coriander leaves : Finely chopped for garnish
Chilly paste : if you want to make a restaurant style chicken tikka kebab then you need to add this Kashmir red chilly paste. It gives the distinct red color appearance and make the marinate more smooth. Red food color is an option in place of it. Otherwise you can escape it and use little bit more red chilli powder.
Steps to make the recipe
1.
First marination
If you are using chicken legs then first trim the chicken and remove the fats. Then cut them into bite size cubes. And if using chicken breasts then slice them into two parts and then into small strips.
For the first marination add ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, chili powder and little amount of oil with the chicken. Rub amd mix them gently. Cover and keep aside for 10 minutes.
This step is important to absorb the salt and chilli. And also helps to marinate quickly. You get the nice red color as well.
2. Second marination
Take the thick yoghurt or overnight hung curd in a mixing bowl. Then add ginger garlic paste, red chilly paste, red chilli powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, chat masala, salt, lemon juice and cooking oil. Now start to mix everything nicely to make a smooth masala paste known as tandoori masala paste.
Add the first marinated chicken and mix evenly with this masala from all sides of the chicken pieces. Cover and keep marinated for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to absorb all the flavours.
3. Threading
Bring the chicken after the marination period is over and start to thread in shewers. Keep a minimum gap in between them while threading the chicken. This will help to cook them evenly from all sides.
If you are using wooden sticks then soak them in water for half an hour before threading.
4. Cooking
You can even cook then without threading in a shewer. For this first line a baking tray with aluminium foil and brush some butter. Then place the marinated chicken pieces over it.
And place the baking tray inside the ipreheated oven. Cook them for 7 to 8 minutes then remove the tray. Flip the chicken to another side and brush some more butter over them. Place the baking tray again in the oven and cook further for 7 to 8 minutes or till crisp and tender.
Similarly place the shewers over the baking tray and cook till done. While cooking them in a tandoor first thread then on some long iron shewers. Then place then in a preheated tandoor. The temperature of the tandoor should not be very high. Cook the chicken in a medium heat temperature at around 180° C.
While cooking rotate the shewers and brush butter at regular intervals. In tandoor it will take around 8 to 10 minutes to completely done the kebabs.
Alternatively you can cook them on a non stick pan or iron skillet or tawa. I have a detailed recipe about chicken tikka cooking on a pan or tawa. You can have a look for the recipe from chicken tikka on tawa.
What to do with leftover chicken tikka kebab
You don't have to worry for the leftover chicken tikka kebab as they can remain in good condition for upto 24 hours in freezer. And next day you can use them to make some other delicious dishes like
- Chicken tikka masala
- Butter chicken and
- Chicken tikka pizza or salad.
Tips to make best chicken tikka kebab
- Cut the chicken into small size pieces. Small size pieces get cooked quickly.
- Don't forget to use lemon juice as it can make the chicken more tender and juicy.
- The secret to a perfect Chicken Tikka Kebab lies in the marinade. Use Greek yogurt for its creaminess and thickness. The yogurt not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it.\
- Soak the wooden skewers before threading the chicken. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill
- Don't rush the marinating process. Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least two hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum taste.
- Don't over cook the kebab otherwise they will become dry.
- If possible use overnight hung curd to make the masala paste.
Chicken tikka kebab recipe
Chicken tikka kebab is juicy, tender and succulent spiced yoghurt based kebab which is perfectly charred. Serve by topping with chat masala and squeezing lemon juice over it for a satisfying bites.
Prep time 15 min Cook time 15 min serve 3
Author Mobasir hassan
Ingredients
- 250 gm boneless skinless chicken
- 5 tablespoon thick yoghurt
- 2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red chilly paste
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chat masala
- 4 tablespoon cooking oil
- Salt as per taste
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
- Butter for brushing
Instructions
- Wash and trim the chicken and cut them into small bite size cubes.
- Then add one teaspoon ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, cooking oil and salt as per taste. You can even add one teaspoon red chilli powder. Cover and keep aside to marinate for ten to fifteen minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, take the yoghurt and add one teaspoon ginger garlic paste, one tablespoon red chilly paste, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder, half teaspoon chat masala, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and salt.
- Next pour 3 to 4 tablespoon cooking oil or mustard oil and mix everything nicely to make a thick masala paste.
- Now mix the first marinated chicken pieces with this masala paste evenly from all sides. Cover and keep marinated for 2 to 3 hours or overnight for best result.
- After the marination period is over thread them in shewer or wooden sticks and bake in oven or roast in tandoor or bbq.
- You can even cook them on pan, tawa or air fryer.
- While cooking brush some butter at a regular intervals.
- When the chicken become tender and crisp remove and serve hot by topping with some chat masala and squeezing lemon juice.
Nutritional value
(serving size 250 gm )
- Calorie : 291
- Fats : 12g
- Protein : 33g
- Carbohydrate : 11g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is difference between Chicken tikka kebab and Tandoori Chicken?
The main difference is chicken tikka kebab is made with boneless chicken pieces nut tandoori chicken is made with bone in chicken or sometime with a whole chicken.
2. How many calories in Chicken tikka kebab?
A standard serving of a plate chicken tikka kebab ( appoximately 100-150 gms) conyains around 150-200 calories.
Recipe note
- It is important to marinate the chicken for atleast 2 to 3 hours. Overnight marination yields best result.
- While cooking them in BBQ or tandoor, use a kitchen towel to handle the shewers.
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