Doug’s Delicious Chicken Tikka

This flavorful chicken tikka recipe is packed with aromatic spices and a hint of tangy yogurt, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a family favorite in no time.

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TIME40 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 large onion, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by mixing the chicken pieces with the heavy cream, lemon juice, ginger, cumin, pepper, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne in a bowl. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour so all those flavors really soak in.

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Step 2

When you’re ready to cook, heat a tablespoon of oil in a big pan over medium heat. Toss in the onion, jalapeno, and garlic, and cook them until they’re soft and fragrant—about five minutes. Then add the tomato sauce and tomato paste, bring everything to a boil, and lower the heat to let it simmer gently.

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Step 3

Next, grab another skillet and heat the rest of the oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through—this should take around 7 to 10 minutes.

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Step 4

Once the chicken is cooked, combine it with the tomato sauce mixture. If you want it creamier, pour in a little more heavy cream until it reaches your preferred consistency. Let it all simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.

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Step 5

Serve it up hot and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavor.
- Use a grill or broiler for a smoky char that mimics traditional tandoor cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is packed with bold, vibrant flavors that bring a taste of India to your kitchen. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a perfect blend of spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and exciting.

Serving ideas

Serve with warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of cooling cucumber raita or fresh salad balances the spices beautifully. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.