The Recipe · No.965 · Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka, and where to source it

Chicken Tikka — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Chicken Tikka Indian 5best2buy.com

Marinate in two stages and use thick yogurt. A first rub of lemon, salt, and ginger-garlic opens the meat, then the spiced yogurt coat clings and chars; thin yogurt slides off and you lose the crust.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineIndian
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains  dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken thighs
Boneless, cut into big cubes; they stay juicy under high heat.
2 lb
Source it →
Greek yogurt
Thick and strained so the marinade clings and chars.
1 cup
Local / market
Ginger-garlic paste
Fresh-ground; the aromatic base of nearly every tikka.
2 tbsp
Source it →
Garam masala
Added to the yogurt for warmth and depth.
1 tbsp
Source it →
Kashmiri chili powder
Mild but deeply red; it gives tikka its color without brutal heat.
1 tbsp
Local / market
Lemon
Juice in the first-stage rub to open the meat.
1 lemon
Local / market
Kasuri methi
Dried fenugreek leaf, crushed in at the end for that restaurant aroma.
1 tsp
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrillSheet pan
The Method
  1. First marinadeRub the chicken with lemon, salt, and half the ginger-garlic paste; rest 15 minutes.
  2. Second marinadeCoat with yogurt, garam masala, chili powder, remaining paste, and crushed kasuri methi; chill at least 2 hours.
  3. SkewerThread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for the heat to reach.
  4. Char hotGrill, broil, or use a very hot oven until the edges char and the chicken is just cooked.
  5. Rest and finishRest a few minutes, brush with a little butter or oil, and serve with lemon and onion.
The Toolkit

Metal skewers · Grill · Mixing bowl

Straight Answers
Can you make Chicken Tikka in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Chicken Tikka? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken Tikka ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Tikka gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Chicken Tikka vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.965