Easy Chicken Tikka
Easy homemade Chicken Tikka recipe with Greek yogurt marinade, anti-inflammatory spices, and minimal prep for a healthy dinner
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1
Combine Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and turmeric powder in a large mixing bowl to create the marinade base.
- 2
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated with the yogurt mixture.
- 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- 4
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature.
- 5
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 6
Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, transfer the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet using a slotted spoon, reserving the excess marinade.
- 7
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior develops a golden-brown crust, then transfer to a plate.
- 8
Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the same skillet and add the sliced red onion, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4 minutes.
- 9
Return all the seared chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices, then pour in the reserved marinade from the bowl.
- 10
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- 11
Season the dish with sea salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the spices as needed.
- 12
Transfer the Chicken Tikka to a serving platter and garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves.
- 13
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each bite.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greek yogurt | coconut yogurt or cashew cream | Provides a dairy-free option while maintaining creaminess and probiotic benefits for gut health |
| Chicken breasts | Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | Thighs stay more moist during cooking and contain beneficial micronutrients like iron and zinc |
| Sea salt | Himalayan pink salt or potassium chloride salt substitute | Reduces sodium content while providing trace minerals that support heart health and blood pressure regulation |
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or ghee | Both have higher smoke points suitable for high-heat cooking and contain anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Ground spices | Whole spices, toasted and ground fresh | Whole spices retain more volatile oils and antioxidants, delivering superior flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits |
| Fresh lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar | Provides probiotics and acetic acid that aid digestion and improve blood sugar control |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 395 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 54g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
