How to Make the Perfect Butter Chicken Tikka

Butter Chicken Tikka is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, characterized by its rich, smoky flavor and tender, succulent chicken. This article will guide you through the process of making this mouth-watering dish at home. From washing and marinating the chicken to roasting it on skewers and finally mixing it with a butter chicken gravy, we'll cover all the crucial steps to ensure your tikka turns out delicious.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken pieces (thighs or breast) Yogurt (curd) Dry spices: garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper Tomato paste Tikka masala butter cream Skewers or tandoor Mint and curd chutney Onion slices Optional: oven for non-tandoor users

Step-by-Step Guide

Washing and Cutting the Chicken:

To begin, thoroughly wash the chicken pieces in clean water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial as washed chicken will absorb the marinade better and cook evenly.

Marinating the Chicken:

In a large container, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, and add your dry spices. The spices will be: 1 tablespoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon coriander 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) Mix all these ingredients together, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well coated. Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, enhancing its taste and texture.

Roasting the Tikka:

Once the chicken is marinated, prepare your skewers. Alternatively, if you do not have a tandoor at home, you can roast the tikka in the oven. For the tandoor method, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and place them in a preheated tandoor (traditional clay oven) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. For oven method, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the skewers on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.

Mixing with Butter Chicken Gravy:

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and mix it with the butter chicken gravy. The gravy will be a flavorful blend of tikka masala butter cream and tomato paste. This mixture should be creamy and aromatic, providing a perfect balance of spices and smokiness.

Serving:

Serve the butter chicken tikka hot with a mint and curd chutney and a side of onion slices. This combination enhances the overall flavors and textures, making the meal truly delicious. Enjoy your authentic and aromatic butter chicken tikka!

Additional Tips

Ensure that the chicken is marinated long enough for the flavors to permeate. A 2-3 hour marination is ideal for best results. For a smokier taste, use wood chips soaked in water and add them to your tandoor or oven for an authentic flavor. To make it visually appealing, use different colored chicken pieces (like thighs and breasts) and ensure all are evenly coated and cooked.

Wrapping Up

Making butter chicken tikka is a delightful process that combines simple ingredients into a complex and flavorful dish. Follow these steps, and you'll be able to recreate this iconic Indian culinary treat at home. Whether you use a tandoor or an oven, the outcome will be mouth-watering. So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing your butter chicken tikka now and savor the aromatic and fiery goodness!