Fine Cooking Magazine - November/December 2020

Servings: 4

Not to be confused with chicken tikka masala, the creamy tomato-and-chicken curry beloved (and claimed) by Brits and Indians alike, chicken tikka refers to yogurt-marinated grilled chicken kebabs, native to India.

Ingredients

3 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
2 medium cloves garlic, crushed
2 small fresh green Thai chiles, seeded
1 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. garam masala
Kosher salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1-1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 40)
8 12-inch skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
Freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil
2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted
Lemon wedges

Calories (kcal) : 330
Fat Calories (kcal): 170
Fat (g): 19
Saturated Fat (g): 9
Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5
Monounsaturated Fat (g): 6
Cholesterol (mg): 130
Sodium (mg): 200
Carbohydrates (g): 3
Fiber (g): 0
Protein (g): 35

Preparation

In a mini food processor or with a mortar and pestle, purée 2 Tbs. of the cilantro, the lemon juice, ginger, garlic, chiles, cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, and 1 tsp. salt into a smooth paste. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the yogurt. Add the chicken and mix to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Prepare a medium-high (400°F to 475°F) gas or charcoal grill fire for direct grilling.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between the pieces; season with salt and pepper.
Oil the grill grate. Grill the skewers, turning and basting with the butter every 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken is browned and just cooked through (cut into a piece to check), about 8 minutes. Transfer to plates or a platter and brush with butter one last time. Garnish with the remaining cilantro and serve with the lemon wedges.

(3 ratings) Read Reviews

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Reviews

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Reviews (3 reviews)

riponhassan | 08/05/2020
easy and excellent. i am sure to make this chicken tikka with cilantro marination. In India the popular version of chicken tikka is marinated with tandoori masala and red in colour. i love cilatro marination. Cilantro is a healthy herbs.
griml007 | 07/19/2014
This recipe was delicious and easy. My one recommendation is to use a bit less dairy - the flavors were pretty mild and muted in the final product.
localempa | 07/13/2014
Great recipe! Simple to execute, and many ways to use. I will be making this again soon.

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What We're Cooking Now

Name: Indian Chicken Tikka
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro; 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger; 2 medium cloves garlic, crushed; 2 small fresh green Thai chiles, seeded; 1 tsp. cumin seeds, toasted; 1 tsp. ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp. garam masala; Kosher salt; 1 cup plain yogurt; 1-1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 40); 8 12-inch skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden); Freshly ground black pepper; Vegetable oil; 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted; Lemon wedges