Chicken Tikka Recipe – A Flavorful and Easy Appetizer

Chicken Tikka is a mouth-watering, flavorful appetizer made with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant spices, and a smoky aroma. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual meal or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple to make and perfect for cooking in an air fryer, making it both convenient and delicious.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

- tender and juicy chicken thanks to the yogurt and lemon marinade
- packed with bold flavors from spices like ginger, garlic, and tandoori powder
- versatile – enjoy it as an appetizer or with naan and rice as a main course
- a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties and gatherings

Ingredients:

- 600-800g diced chicken breast (cut into large chunks)
- ½ pot of natural yogurt (approx. 200g)
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 4 tsp dry tandoori powder (or paste)
- a pinch of red food coloring (optional)
- a little yellow/orange food coloring (optional)
- salt to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, minced ginger and garlic, lemon juice, oil, chili powder, and tandoori powder. Add a pinch of red and yellow/orange food coloring for that classic vibrant hue. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

2. Marinate the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the bowl and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate overnight.

3. Cook the chicken:

   - Air fryer: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Skewer the chicken pieces and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

   - Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once during cooking.

   - Grill: Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 20-30 minutes, rotating until the chicken is browned and charred on the edges.

4. Garnish and serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander (or frozen coriander if that’s what you have). Serve with naan, rice, or a refreshing side salad.

Serving suggestions:

- Pair with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce for extra flavor.
- Add a fresh cucumber and onion salad to balance the rich flavors.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the chili powder if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
- For a more intense flavor, try cooking the chicken under the grill for that signature charred effect.

Enjoy your homemade chicken tikka! Let me know how it turns out or share your pictures with me!