Authentic Tandoori Chicken Tikka Recipe

Experience the tantalizing flavors of traditional Tandoori Chicken Tikka with this expertly crafted recipe. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a rich blend of spices, yogurt, and papaya paste, resulting in succulent bites bursting with aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole skinless chicken, quartered (2 legs and 2 breasts with wings)
• ½ tablespoon salt
• 3 tablespoons vinegar

Tikka Marinade:

• 1½ tablespoons Kashmiri chili powder or paprika (for color)
• ½ tablespoon roasted and ground cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons roasted and powdered coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon or ½ tablespoon red chili flakes (optional for spiciness)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
• ¾ tablespoon ginger paste
• ¾ tablespoon garlic paste
• ¾ tablespoon green chili paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon raw green papaya paste
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon zarda color or red food color
• Oil (for greasing pan and cooking)

Method:

1. Begin by soaking the chicken pieces in a solution of vinegar and salt for 20 minutes. Then, wash the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry. Make deep cuts across the grain of the chicken pieces.
2. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Apply this marinade generously all over the chicken pieces. Allow the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator or for 4-6 hours in a cool place.
3. Once the chicken has marinated, heat charcoal until it’s red hot.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess.
5. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto flat metal skewers, ensuring both legs and breasts are skewered. Place the skewers over the hot charcoal in a barbecue pit or directly on a barbecue grill. Brush the chicken with a little oil as it cooks on both sides.
6. Grill the chicken pieces for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and develop charred marks, ensuring they are cooked through.

Indulge in the authentic flavors of Tandoori Chicken Tikka, a timeless classic sure to delight your taste buds with every bite.