Introduction:
Spicy Chicken Tikka is a mouthwatering Indian appetizer that packs a punch of flavor and heat. Marinated in a fiery blend of spices and cooked to perfection, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create homemade Spicy Chicken Tikka that's bursting with bold flavors and the right amount of kick. Get ready to spice up your plate!
Ingredients:
Before we begin, let's gather the essential ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Spicy Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat)
- Salt, to taste
For Skewering and Grilling
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
- Vegetable oil (for grilling)
Instructions:
1.Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor infusion.
2.Prepare the Spicy Marinade
- In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, red chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This spicy marinade will add the heat to your Spicy Chicken Tikka.
3.Skewer the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
4.Grill to Perfection
- Brush the chicken skewers with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill or broil the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it's cooked through and has a slight char. The chicken should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
5.Spice It Up
- While the chicken is still hot from the grill, brush it generously with the spicy marinade you prepared earlier. This step allows the spices to adhere to the chicken, enhancing its heat and flavor.
6.Serve with Zest
- Your homemade Spicy Chicken Tikka is ready to be served. Garnish it with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with cooling cucumber raita or mint chutney to balance the heat.
Conclusion:
Spicy Chicken Tikka is a fiery delight that's perfect for gatherings, parties, or whenever you crave a spicy kick in your meal. With the perfect blend of spices and the juiciness of tender chicken, it's a dish that will leave your taste buds tingling with excitement. So, fire up your grill and get ready to savor the heat and flavor of homemade Spicy Chicken Tikka. Enjoy the spice!
