Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe

2 hours 30 minutes

865 reads

4.20 from 5 votes

About Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe

Craving the smoky, vibrant flavors of authentic Indian Chicken Tikka? This easy recipe, inspired by roadside dhabas, delivers perfectly charred, tender chicken bursting with aromatic spices – no complicated restaurant techniques required!
Forget hard-to-find ingredients and lengthy marinades. This simplified version uses readily available spices and a straightforward method, making it a weeknight dinner winner.
Fire up your grill or grill pan and get ready for a taste of India that's both delicious and doable. It's perfect for a quick family meal or an impressive weekend feast!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep2 hours
Cook30 minutes
Total2 hours 30 minutes
Calories309 kcal
Serves3
Recipe TasteSaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

For the Chicken Marinade

For Grilling

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Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground coriander, dried fenugreek leaves, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, and salt.
    Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Mix thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. This step is crucial for flavor and tenderness.
    Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become more tender.
    Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.
  • Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. If desired, add bell pepper chunks to the skewers for added flavor and color.
    Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  • Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Turning ensures even cooking.
    Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Remove the chicken tikka from the grill and serve hot. Garnish with lime wedges and mint chutney, if desired.
    Dhaba-Style Chicken Tikka: An Easy & Authentic Indian Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For extra smoky flavor, try the dhungar method: place a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, set it in the center of your marinated chicken, drizzle a drop of ghee on the coal, cover tightly for 5 minutes, then remove—the chicken will have a true tandoori aroma.
  • If you don’t have an oven or grill, cook the marinated chicken pieces on a stovetop grill pan or even roast them on skewers over direct flame for that authentic charred taste.
  • For a dairy-free variation, substitute yogurt in the marinade with thick coconut cream; it will add a subtle richness and keep the chicken moist.
  • Leftover tikka can be chopped and added to wraps, salads, or tossed with sautéed onions and bell peppers for a quick and flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala.

Expert Tips

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Use Kashmiri red chili powder for a vibrant red color without excessive heat.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover chicken tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a microwave or oven, or enjoy cold in salads or wraps.
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4.20 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 17.4gSodium: 1140mgSugar: 1g

Jyothi Varne
Jyothi Varne
Articles: 31
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4.20 from 5 votes

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