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...

Tawa Chicken Tikka recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

First Marination

  • boneless Chicken Thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
    boneless Chicken Thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
    1kg
  • Ginger Garlic Paste
    Ginger Garlic Paste
    2tbsp
  • Lemon Juice
    Lemon Juice
    2tbsp
  • Red Chilli Powder, to taste
    Red Chilli Powder, to taste
    1tbsp
  • Salt, to taste
    Salt, to taste
    1tbsp

Second Marination

  • Curd
    Curd
    3/4cup
  • Mustard Oil
    Mustard Oil
    2tbsp
  • Coriander Powder
    Coriander Powder
    2tbsp
  • Garam Masala
    Garam Masala
    1/2tbsp
  • Cumin Powder
    Cumin Powder
    1tbsp
  • Carom Seeds
    Carom Seeds
    1/2tbsp
  • Dry Mango Powder (Amchur)
    Dry Mango Powder (Amchur)
    1/2tbsp
  • Poppy Seeds, soaked
    Poppy Seeds, soaked
    2tbsp
  • Tomato Puree
    Tomato Puree
    4tbsp
  • Dry Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
    Dry Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi)
    2tbsp
  • Sugar
    Sugar
    1/2tbsp
  • Roasted Gram Flour (Besan)
    Roasted Gram Flour (Besan)
    3tbsp
  • A few drops of edible Orange Color (optional)
    A few drops of edible Orange Color (optional)

Vegetables

  • Capsicum, cut into cubes
    Capsicum, cut into cubes
    1piece
  • Onion, cut into cubes
    Onion, cut into cubes
    1piece
  • Lemon, cut in rounds
    Lemon, cut in rounds
    1piece

How to make Tawa Chicken Tikka

First Marination

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, combine ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, red chilli powder, and salt.

  2. Step 2

    Add chicken pieces and thoroughly coat them with the marinade. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Second Marination

  1. Step 1

    Whisk the curd until smooth in a bowl.

  2. Step 2

    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.

  3. Step 3

    Coat the marinated chicken evenly with this mixture. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Heat a tawa or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush with mustard oil.

  2. Step 2

    Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the tawa, and cook in batches if needed. Reserve any leftover marinade for later use.

  3. Step 3

    Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until charred and fully cooked.

    Step 3.1: Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until charred and fully cooked
  4. Step 4

    Add the capsicum, onion cubes and lemon rounds to the tawa when the chicken is mostly done. Drizzle the remaining marinade.

    Step 3.1: Add the capsicum, onion cubes and lemon rounds to the tawa when the chicken is mostly done
  5. Step 5

    Stir occasionally, cooking until vegetables are tender yet crisp.

    Step 3.1: Stir occasionally, cooking until vegetables are tender yet crisp
  6. Step 6

    Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander.

  7. Step 7

    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)

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

  1. For deeper flavors, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

  2. Avoid overcrowding the tawa with chicken pieces; this ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets a good char.

  3. Add vegetables towards the end to retain their crunch and colour.

  4. Adjust spices according to taste.

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Loading reviews...

leenakohli's profile picture
instagram

Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩‍🍳✨...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia