Back
🍢
IndianNon-veg

Chicken Tikka

Yogurt-marinated chicken charred till smoky.

40 min4 serveseasy

Chicken Tikka is a classic protein-forward Indian recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 4 and comes together in roughly 40 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 40 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on high-heat grilling, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.

The headline ingredients here are chicken breast, yogurt and ginger. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts if you tend to overcook protein and full-fat dairy will always behave more predictably than low-fat versions.

Share this recipe

from Cook Max
Gmail Email WhatsApp X / Twitter Facebook

Every share includes a link back to Cook Max so friends can discover more free recipes.

Nutrition · per servingestimated

159

kcal

14g

Protein

5g

Carbs

9g

Fat

high-proteinspicygluten-freegrill

Ingredients

  • chicken breast600 g
  • yogurt0.75 cup
  • ginger1 tbsp
  • garlic5 cloves
  • tikka masala2 tbsp
  • lemon1
  • oil2 tbsp
  • saltstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~13 min

    Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic, masala, lemon, oil and salt.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~13 min

    Marinate diced chicken at least 30 minutes.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~13 min

    Thread on skewers; grill or broil 4 minutes per side till charred.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 40 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

You may also like

Browse more Indian recipes or search all recipes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Tikka take to cook?
From prep to plate, Chicken Tikka takes about 40 minutes and yields 4 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Chicken Tikka vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (chicken breast, yogurt, ginger). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
What are the key ingredients in Chicken Tikka?
The headline ingredients are chicken breast, yogurt, ginger. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 8. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Chicken Tikka?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Chicken Tikka?
Chicken Tikka pairs naturally with classic indian sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.