Indian Tikka Spiced Chicken (Printable Format)

Juicy chicken marinated in tandoori spices and yogurt, roasted until perfectly crispy with classic Indian flavors.

# What's Needed:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.75 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large chunks

→ Marinade

02 - 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 tsp ground cumin
08 - 2 tsp ground coriander
09 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1 ½ tsp garam masala
11 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
12 - 1 tsp chili powder
13 - 1 tsp salt
14 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - Fresh cilantro leaves
16 - Lemon wedges
17 - Sliced red onion

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, oil, garlic, ginger, and all spices in a large bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
02 - Add chicken pieces to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat oven to 430°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and position a wire rack on top.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange pieces in a single layer on the wire rack without overcrowding.
05 - Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping pieces halfway through cooking. Cook until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and edges are slightly charred and crispy.
06 - For extra crisping, switch to broiler setting for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
07 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges and sliced red onion alongside naan, rice, or salad.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Restaurant-quality tandoori flavors made easily at home
  • Marinade creates incredibly tender, juicy chicken
  • Perfect balance of aromatic spices without being overly spicy
  • Simple preparation with impressive results
  • Versatile dish that pairs well with many sides
  • Gluten-free friendly for family and friends with dietary restrictions
02 -
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for the deepest flavor penetration
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking
  • The wire rack method prevents the chicken from steaming in its own juices
  • A quick broil at the end mimics the char of a traditional tandoor oven
  • Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
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