Chicken tikka, Punjabi Nonveg Delights

The art of preparing Chicken Tikka is a delightful journey that tickles the taste buds with an explosion of flavours. If you are a food enthusiast, you'll understand that this tantalizing dish is one of the most cherished culinary treasures in the realm of Indian cuisine. To master the art of preparing this dish to perfection, one must delve into the realm of spices, marination, and grilling techniques. So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we guide you through the best way to prepare the scrumptious Chicken Tikka.

chicken tikka image by Timolina on freepik 

To begin this culinary escapade, gather the following ingredients:

1. 500 grams of boneless and skinless chicken, preferably cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. 1 cup of thick, creamy yoghurt.
3. 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, freshly prepared for that authentic taste.
4. 1 tablespoon of garam masala, a blend of aromatic Indian spices.
5. 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, to add a warm earthy note to the dish.
6. 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, for a subtle citrusy flavour.
7. 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder, or adjust according to your preferred spice level.
8. A pinch of turmeric powder, for a lovely golden hue.
9. 2 tablespoons of mustard oil, to infuse the tikka with a hint of pungency.
10. Salt, to taste.
11. Freshly chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish.

Now that we have our ingredients, let's get into the magical marination process. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, mustard oil, and salt. Stir the mixture until all the spices blend harmoniously with the yoghurt, creating a vibrant and aromatic marinade.

Next, add the chicken pieces to this enticing marinade, ensuring each morsel gets coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or even better, refrigerate it overnight to let the flavours penetrate the meat thoroughly.

As the flavours work their magic, it's time to prepare the grill. If you have a traditional clay tandoor, it's the ideal choice for that authentic smoky flavour. However, a regular grill or oven set to a high temperature can also do wonders.

Before grilling, allow the marinated chicken to come to room temperature. Thread the pieces onto skewers, and if you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water beforehand to prevent charring.

Now, place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook each side until you achieve a perfect charred texture. Baste the chicken with a little oil or ghee while grilling to keep the meat moist and succulent.

The sizzling sound of the tikka on the grill and the aroma wafting through the air will surely make your mouth water with anticipation. Once the chicken tikka achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue, it's time to take them off the heat.

Garnish the Chicken Tikka with freshly chopped cilantro and serve them hot with lemon wedges on the side. The tangy citrus twist from the lemon perfectly complements the smoky and spicy flavours of the tikka.