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Boneless Tandoori Chicken Tikka (Restaurant Quality!)

March 12, 2023

If you’re looking for a delicious healthy feast that rivals restaurant quality, look no further than this tandoori chicken tikka. Made with lean chicken breast, yogurt, spices, and grilled to perfection, these chicken skewers are succulent and bursting with flavour. Plus, with its high-protein content, this Indian recipe is a nourishing choice for those managing diabetes.

“The best ever chicken tikka recipe I have ever eaten and made. It was truly divine, succulent and awesome. A must-have Indian cuisine recipe.” ~ Bree

Perspective shot of a pile of chicken skewers with lemon in the background. — Enjoy a delicious dinner with this easy-to-prepare Boneless Tandoori Chicken Tikka recipe. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights, delivering succulent flavour without all the fuss!

If I had my way, I would devour this lip-smacking chicken tikka kebab every night! Paired with a side of chaat salad with corn, paratha, or cucumber raita makes for a truly authentic experience. Plus, dietitian-recommended; it’s such an easy and delicious way to enjoy an Indian-inspired meal.

Ramadan is a perfect time to savour this healthy chicken tikka — here’s why!

As the holy month draws near, I am excitedly sharing some of my favourite Ramadan recipes on the blog. And this spicy tandoori chicken tikka recipe shows up on our list every year. Here’s why I think you’ll love it as much as my family does:

It uses less oil in the chicken tikka marinade — without sacrificing taste! And you don’t feel bogged down and overstuffed.
It’s an excellent high-protein nourishing option to help keep you full for longer.
Its lower calorie content allows room to delight in other flavorful side dishes and sweet recipes.
It’s bursting with the natural goodness of spices — without any artificial colours.
You can craft nutrient-rich balanced meals with ease because of its versatility.
Thanks to the oven doing most of the work, it’s such an easy tandoori chicken recipe!

What is tikka made of?

There are various chicken tikka recipes, but tandoori tikka is somewhat of a classic. Cubes of chicken are marinated in a luscious combo of yogurt, lemon and an array of Indian spices. Then, skewers of chicken are grilled in an oven or tandoor for a mouthwatering charred flavour.

This particular recipe of tandoori tikka kebab is made of the following ingredients:

A collection of food ingredients like chicken spices, lemon and yogurt styled on a silver tray.

Skinless chicken breasts
Greek yogurt
A delicious blend of spices, including smoked paprika, Kashmiri red chilli, aniseed, cinnamon and mango powder
Aromatics like garlic and ginger
Lemon juice and salt

Boneless Tandoori Chicken Tikka (Restaurant Quality!)

Two ramekins of minced garlic and ginger on a patterned plate. — Remember to **mince** the garlic and ginger to help infuse your chicken tikka with fragrant, earthy flavours.

Follow this step-by-step guide to make tandoori chicken tikka in the oven.

The combination of aromatic Indian spices makes this recipe a hit every time. Here’s how to make spicy tandoori chicken tikka kebab in the oven:

Prepare the marinade (tandoori masala)

A bowl of colourful spices and oil. — Step 1: Mix Greek yogurt, oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice and salt with all the spices. Ensure that your container has a tight-fitting lid and can adequately accommodate the chicken.

A hand holding a spoon of orange sauce over a bowl of sauce styled around a decorative scarf. — You should end up with a thick chicken tikka marinade.

Cut the chicken

Chicken breast on a wooden board with a knife styled with a decorative scarf. — Step 2: Slice boneless chicken breast by cutting each in half vertically, then slicing twice horizontally.

A bowl of chicken pieces on a wooden board. — Each breast should yield six pieces – with a total of 24 large chunks.

Marinate the chicken

Chunks of chicken in a square glass container with an orange sauce. — Step 3: The next step is to toss the chicken chunks into the marinade.

A square glass container with meat in an orange sauce, styled with a decorative scarf. — Ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for two days for a flavour-packed experience!

Prepare the skewers

Six wooden skewers in a large glass dish. — Step 4: Submerge six wooden skewers in water for at least one hour to avoid burning when you grill the chicken tikka.

Thread the chicken onto skewers

Skewers of orange-coloured chicken on a black tray, — Step 5: Grab each piece of chicken and slide it onto a skewer — pinning through the middle. Make sure that all pieces are evenly spaced on each skewer for even cooking. Thread each skewer with four pieces of chicken breast.

Grill the tikka

A pile of chicken skewers with naan and lemon in the background. — When you are ready to grill, preheat the oven to broil. Position the tray on the middle-top shelf, allowing the chicken tikka kebab to get those beautiful char marks.

Grill your skewer for 10 minutes, then turn it over and grill the other side for another 10 minutes or until cooked through. Make sure to rotate the skewer so all sides are cooked and charred. The total cooking time is between 20-25 minutes.

Cooking method tips

All the ingredients in the marinade need time to work their magic and tenderize the chicken and give it heaps of flavour. Ideally, marinade for two days. Don’t skip this step – it’s worth the wait!
Place the chicken breast skewers in a large oven-proof tray. To ensure even cooking, leave enough space between the skewers when grilling.

Nutritious Ramadan Meal Plan

Predominantly plant-based dietitian-approved & taste-tested recipes
Grocery list to save you time, money, and fewer trips to the grocery store
Step-by-step prep guide to make the most of your time in the kitchen
Full nutritional information
BONUS: FREE Ebook with 20 Recipes to stay hydrated (worth $60)

The complete recipe with ingredient amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Food safe storage

Once your spicy tandoori chicken tikka is ready, let it cool, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. For an epic tikka experience, savour it right out of the oven while still warm, juicy and spicy! Because reheating leftovers can result in dry chicken breast.

A close up of a pile pf chicken skewers with naan, salad and dip on a round tray.

You asked: What is the difference between tandoori and chicken tikka?

Although both are spicy grilled chicken dishes, there is a subtle difference between tandoori and tikka. Tandoori chicken typically uses red food colouring for its signature vibrant orange-red hue. And it’s marinated in an acidic yogurt mixture and spices, then cooked in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. Nonetheless, nowadays, creating delicious homemade versions is made easier with the help of an oven.

As well, tandoori chicken recipes use larger cuts of chicken, such as legs and thighs.

Similarly, chicken tikka is marinated with a spicy yogurt mixture and is grilled in an oven or over charcoal. Its flavour is rich and smoky, without the addition of any artificial food dyes. Plus, tikka is traditionally made with cubes of marinated boneless chicken, which are then skewered and grilled.

Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi

A pile pf chicken skewers with naan, salad and dip on a round tray, styled with a decorative scarf.

If you give this tandoori chicken tikka recipe a try, be sure to share your spicy experience with me. Drop a comment below and let me know how it went. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and Facebook because I absolutely love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.