Wasfetna

Grilled chicken tikka

Chicken cubes in a yogurt, ginger and tikka-spice marinade, grilled over high heat until the edges char.

Grilled chicken tikka
Cooking time
4 hr 50 min
Hands-on time
25 min
Free time
4 hr
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
Indian
Calories
520
Contains
Dairy

What sets tikka apart is its two-stage marinade: lemon and salt first on scored cubes, then yogurt and spices for at least four hours. The black spots on the edges are intentional — that's the flavor of tikka, not a mistake.

Before you start

  • Before you beginRead the steps completely, measure the ingredients, and prepare the tools before turning on the heat or oven.
  • Preheat the grillHeat the grill thoroughly, clean the grill grates, and grease them lightly before placing the food on it.

Ingredients

5people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the marinade

For the chicken

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Skewers — Cooking on the skewer is what chars the edges and leaves the middle soft.
  • Grill — High heat — tikka wants charring, not slow cooking.

Method

  1. Make slits in the cubes and season them with lemon and salt for half an hour first.

    30 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The cuts are open and the cubes have soaked up the lemon.

    Tip: The two-stage marinade — lemon first, then yogurt — is what makes tikka special.

  2. Add the rest of the marinade and cover it in the refrigerator for at least four hours.

    4 hrYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The cubes are orange and fully coated.

  3. Thread them onto skewers and grill them over high heat until their edges are charred.

    14 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    Black spots on the edges and the inside is soft.

    Tip: The light charring is intended — it is the flavor of tikka, not a mistake.

  4. Brush with butter as they come off the heat and serve with lemon and onions.

    4 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The surface is glossy and the juices run clear.

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