Chicken Tikka at Home: Oven, Air Fryer or BBQ
Chicken tikka is spiced, yogurt-marinated chicken cooked on high heat until lightly charred. It is perfect as a starter, in wraps, or with naan and salad.
What to buy
- Chicken Thighs (boneless thighs stay the juiciest) or Chicken Breast
- Tandoori masala, Desi Tandoori Masala or Shan Tikka Seekh Kabab Spice Mix
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) boneless halal chicken, cut into 4 cm (1.5 inch) pieces
- 3/4 cup thick plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons tikka or tandoori masala (taste before adding extra salt)
- Optional: onion and bell pepper chunks for skewers
Method
- Marinate. Mix all the marinade ingredients, add the chicken and coat well. Chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Skewer (optional). Thread chicken, onion and pepper onto skewers. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes first.
- Cook. Oven: 230°C (450°F) on a rack over a lined tray for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once. Air fryer: 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway. BBQ: medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often.
- Check. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the inside is no longer pink (74°C / 165°F).
- Serve. Squeeze over lemon and serve with mint chutney, sliced onions and naan.
Tips
- Thick yogurt helps the marinade cling. Strain runny yogurt for 15 minutes first.
- For a smoky flavour without a BBQ, finish under the oven grill for 2 minutes.
More chicken ideas: chicken karahi and chicken biryani. Shop all halal chicken.
Order everything you need from WeDoHalal. We bring fresh halal meat from trusted Edmonton butchers plus the spices and pantry items you need, with same-day or next-day delivery across Edmonton and nearby towns. Delivery is free on orders over $100. See our delivery areas.
Cooking, storage and thawing tips are general guidance only and some content is written with the help of AI, so please use your own judgement. Always follow safe food handling and cook meat to a safe internal temperature. See our Terms and Conditions.