Chicken Tikka (The Chicken – No Sauce)
Chicken Tikka is one of the most popular and beloved dishes worldwide, celebrated for its perfectly spiced, tender pieces of chicken. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven or over a grill, this recipe simplifies the process by bringing those irresistible flavors straight to your stovetop. No need for long marination times or fancy equipment—just a few easy steps, and you’ll be biting into succulent pieces of chicken that melt in your mouth. The best part? You can prepare this delicious Chicken Tikka in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
The beauty of Chicken Tikka lies in its versatility. Enjoy it as a standalone appetizer or pair it with a silky, creamy Tikka Masala sauce for a complete meal. The tangy yogurt and lemon juice tenderize the chicken, while a blend of tikka spices adds depth and complexity to every bite. Whether you serve it over rice, with naan, or alongside Indian breads like paratha, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
For those who want to skip the grill but still savor the authentic taste of Chicken Tikka, this recipe is your go-to. If you're feeling adventurous, skewer the chicken and throw it on the BBQ for a smoky, charred finish, or roast it in your oven. Whatever method you choose, this recipe will bring a burst of Indian flavors right to your table.
Chicken Tikka is the spiced tender pieces of chicken found swimming in Chicken Tikka Masala Curry Sauce. It melts in your mouth and sticks to your ribs. No wonder it is the most popular dish in the UK and is a classic example of the fusion of Indian and British gastronomic that is enjoyed world wide. This Chicken Tikka recipe can be made in 30 minutes right on your stovetop so no big deal if you don't have a grill or if it's raining outside.
This is how to cook Chicken Tikka on the stovetop at home without a Tandoor Oven or a grill and bring those traditional Indian aromas and flavors to your dinner table. If you have a grill, you can certainly skewer this chicken and cook them on the BBQ or another alternative is to roast them in your oven.
Do you want the sauce too? Tikka Masala (The Sauce) You can make this at home using Curry Starter and Tikka Masala Spice blend by Usha 's Kitchen ( See Tikka Masala (The Sauce) Recipe on ushaskitchen.com). As a last resort you can buy your Tikka Masala Sauce at the store in a jar. I don't recommend this but sometimes you do what you have to get the job done.
Chicken Tikka Masala is the combination of Chicken Tikka +Tikka Masala Sauce.
Paneer Tikka Masala is the vegetarian version of Chicken Tikka Masala except you substitute the chicken with paneer and you can add green peas for extra protein and fiber.
Expect juicy, tender bites of chicken infused with tangy yogurt, fresh lemon, and a warm, aromatic tikka spice blend. Each piece is perfectly golden with a hint of char, offering a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors.
- 24 oz chicken tenderloin (cut into bite size pieces with tendons removed)
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Tikka Masala Spice Blend (by Usha's Kitchen)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (some extra for cooking)
- Combine the above ingredients and set aside.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat
- Add 2 tsp olive oil to the skillet
- Drop half the chicken on the pan and space them out so they are not crowded.
- Cook about 3-4 minutes and flip them over when they are golden
- Cook 2-3 more minutes or until the internal temp reaches close to 165 degrees.
- Combine your Chicken Tikka with your prepared Tikka Masala Sauce
- Simmer for 10 minutes and serve over rice or with an assortment of Indian breads.
Just so you know:
Chicken Tikka is just dry (no sauce) cooked chicken with the Tikka spices on it either on the stovetop pan fried grilled on the bbq or skewered in the oven (a Tandoor Oven if you have one). In an Indian restaurant, this dish is sometimes referred to as "Dry Chicken Tikka".
Chicken Tikka Masala is the same dry cooked chicken swimming in Tikka Masala (The Sauce) which is a mildly spiced silky creamy tomato based curry sauce. At the Indian restaurant this is sometimes referred to as "Chicken Tikka with gravy".
Tikka Masala (The Sauce Only) You can buy your Tikka Masala Sauce at the store or make it at home. Either way, get the Tikka Masala sauce ready by heating it in a wide based pan and set on low heat while you prepare and cook your Chicken Tikka. (If you want to make your own Tikka Masala sauce in 5 easy steps, check out our recipe Tikka Masala (The Sauce) on ushaskitchen.com .
- Cooking Time: This recipe is quick and easy—no need for long marination times. The chicken cooks on the stovetop in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you can also cook the chicken on the BBQ, roast it in the oven, or even use a Tandoor oven if you have one.
- Pair with Tikka Masala Sauce: For a full meal, pair this Chicken Tikka with a rich, creamy Tikka Masala sauce (store-bought or homemade). Serve over rice or with naan for an authentic dining experience.
- Serving Suggestions: This Chicken Tikka can be served as an appetizer, paired with a sauce for a main course, or even used as a topping for salads or wraps. No sauce needed.
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