Tawa Chicken Tikka is a flavorful Indian dish made by marinating chicken in spices and cooking it on a hot tawa or griddle until it's smoky and tender. Its bold and vibrant flavours are perfect for anyone who loves exciting, aromatic meals.
This dish is delicious by itself as a starter...
Ingredients
First Marination
- 1kgboneless Chicken Thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2tbspGinger Garlic Paste
- 2tbspLemon Juice
- 1tbspRed Chilli Powder, to taste
- 1tbspSalt, to taste
Second Marination
- 3/4cupCurd
- 2tbspMustard Oil
- 2tbspCoriander Powder
- 1/2tbspGaram Masala
- 1tbspCumin Powder
- 1/2tbspCarom Seeds
- 1/2tbspDry Mango Powder (Amchur)
- 2tbspPoppy Seeds, soaked
- 4tbspTomato Puree
- 2tbspDry Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
- 1/2tbspSugar
- 3tbspRoasted Gram Flour (Besan)
- A few drops of edible Orange Color (optional)
Vegetables
- 1pieceCapsicum, cut into cubes
- 1pieceOnion, cut into cubes
- 1pieceLemon, cut in rounds
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
550.0kcal (27.5%)
Protein
37.5g (75%)
Carbs
37.5g (13.64%)
Sugars
2.5g (5%)
Healthy Fat
17.6g
Unhealthy Fat
5.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Tawa Chicken Tikka
First Marination
In a large bowl, combine ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, red chilli powder, and salt.
Add chicken pieces and thoroughly coat them with the marinade. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Second Marination
Whisk the curd until smooth in a bowl.
Mix mustard oil, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, carom seeds, dry mango powder, soaked poppy seeds, tomato puree, crushed fenugreek leaves, sugar, gram flour, and orange colour, if using. Blend into a smooth paste.
Coat the marinated chicken evenly with this mixture. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a tawa or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush with mustard oil.
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the tawa, and cook in batches if needed. Reserve any leftover marinade for later use.
Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until charred and fully cooked.
Add the capsicum, onion cubes and lemon rounds to the tawa when the chicken is mostly done. Drizzle the remaining marinade.
Stir occasionally, cooking until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander.
Serve Tawa Chicken Tikka hot with naan, roti, or rice as a hearty main course or pair it with a side of mint yogurt chutney or raita.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
550.0kcal (27.5%)
Protein
37.5g (75%)
Carbs
37.5g (13.64%)
Sugars
2.5g (5%)
Healthy Fat
17.6g
Unhealthy Fat
5.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Avoid overcrowding the tawa with chicken pieces; this ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets a good char.
Add vegetables towards the end to retain their crunch and colour.
Adjust spices according to taste.
FAQS
How do I cook Tawa Chicken Tikka on a griddle for the best flavor?
To achieve the best flavor for Tawa Chicken Tikka, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably 2-3 hours. Cook the marinated chicken on a preheated tawa or heavy skillet over medium-high heat, brushing it lightly with mustard oil. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until charred and fully cooked, adding vegetables like capsicum and onion towards the end for extra flavor.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Tawa Chicken Tikka?
Tawa Chicken Tikka pairs wonderfully with naan or roti, and you can also serve it with basmati rice and cucumber raita for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider making wraps or sandwiches using warm flatbreads filled with the chicken tikka, fresh veggies, and a mint yogurt sauce.
Can I make Tawa Chicken Tikka with substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Yes, you can make Tawa Chicken Tikka with several substitutions. For a dairy-free version, replace the curd with coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt. If you're looking for a lower spice option, reduce the amount of red chili powder. For those avoiding chicken, you can substitute with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
How should I store leftover Tawa Chicken Tikka?
To store leftover Tawa Chicken Tikka, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it for a quick meal.
What is the best way to enhance the smoky flavor in Tawa Chicken Tikka?
To enhance the smoky flavor in Tawa Chicken Tikka, ensure your tawa or skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can also add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade for an extra smoky taste. Additionally, cooking the chicken until it’s slightly charred will contribute to that authentic smoky flavor.
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Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨ Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨...
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