Pin It Experience the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with this Tikka Spiced Chicken. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in aromatic tandoori spices and yogurt, then roasted until perfectly crispy and golden. This crowd-pleasing dish captures the essence of traditional Indian cooking, bringing the warmth of cumin, coriander, and garam masala to your kitchen table. The tender, spice-infused chicken develops beautiful charred edges while remaining incredibly moist inside, making it an irresistible main course for any occasion.
Pin It The secret to this restaurant-quality Tikka Spiced Chicken lies in its marinade. A combination of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of warming spices creates a tenderizing and flavor-packed coating that transforms the chicken during its marinating time. While the recipe requires at least one hour of marinating, letting the chicken rest overnight intensifies the flavors even more, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 800 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into large chunks
- Marinade: 150 g plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- To Serve (optional): Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced red onion
Instructions
- 1
- In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until smooth.
- 2
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
- 3
- Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- 4
- Arrange marinated chicken pieces on the rack, shaking off excess marinade.
- 5
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- 6
- Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lemon wedges, and sliced red onion. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they remain juicier during roasting. The wire rack method allows excess marinade to drip away while ensuring even cooking and crispy edges on all sides. If you don't have a wire rack, you can place the chicken directly on the lined baking sheet, though you may need to turn it more frequently for even browning.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe adapts easily to different dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, simply substitute coconut yogurt for the Greek yogurt. You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili powder, or add extra warmth with a pinch of cayenne pepper. For those who prefer grilling, the marinated chicken cooks beautifully on an outdoor grill, adding an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this Tikka Spiced Chicken hot with traditional naan bread for soaking up the juices, fluffy basmati rice, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spices. The dish also works wonderfully wrapped in a roti with sliced onions and chutney for a flavorful Indian-style wrap. Don't forget extra lemon wedges on the side—the bright acidity perfectly complements the rich, spiced chicken.
Pin It Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving authentic Indian flavors at home, this Tikka Spiced Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of tender meat, aromatic spices, and perfect charred edges creates a dish that's sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the vibrant tastes of India right from your own kitchen!
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. Overnight marinating intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat even more.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful after roasting.
- → What is the best cooking method for this dish?
Roasting the marinated chicken on a wire rack helps achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Broiling briefly at the end enhances crispiness.
- → Are there any alternatives to yogurt in the marinade?
For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt works well and maintains the creamy texture needed for the marinade.
- → What sides complement this chicken well?
This dish pairs nicely with naan bread, steamed rice, or a fresh salad to balance the rich spices.