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Finished Chicken Tikka Recipe on a plate garnished with cilantro.
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5 from 9 votes

Juicy Chicken Tikka Recipe (Perfect for the Grill, Oven or Air Fryer)

This easy Chicken Tikka recipe is a family favorite in our half-Indian home. Succulent, juicy, perfectly-spiced marinated chunks of chicken.
Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time2 hours 18 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: chicken tikka
Servings: 6
Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup full-fat plain yogurt
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp avocado or canola oil
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp finely grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp cayenne adjust based on your spice preference
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut in 1 1/2"pieces
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make Marinade

  • In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, oil, garlic, ginger.
    Add paprika, cumin, salt, cayenne, pepper and garam masala.
    Stir everything together until well combined.

Marinate Chicken

  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Massage it in to make sure each piece is evenly covered.
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the marinated chicken in a sealable bag.
  • Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Cook the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, thread it onto skewers and cook according to guide below. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • For Grilled Chicken Tikka: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through, until fully cooked with char marks.
  • For Baked Chicken Tikka: Set your oven to 425°F. Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
  • For Air Fryer Chicken Tikka: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in the basket without overlapping (you'll probably have to cook it in batches). Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.

Video

Notes

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum juiciness.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 152mg | Sodium: 909mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 803IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg