Recreate the mouthwatering flavors of an Indian pub at home with this Chicken Tikka recipe. Marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and spices, these tender and juicy chicken pieces are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, charred flavor that’s impossible to resist. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this classic Indian dish will bring a restaurant-quality experience right to your table.

Indian Pub Chicken Tikka Recipe
This Indian Pub Chicken Tikka recipe delivers tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced chicken pieces that are grilled or baked to golden perfection. The yogurt-based marinade, infused with traditional Indian spices, locks in flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Whether served as a starter, main course, or wrapped in naan, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 800g boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
Spicy Tamarind Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
- 1/4 cup jaggery or brown sugar
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
- 1 tsp roasted coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp black salt (kala namak)
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Mix all marinade ingredients for chicken tikka in a bowl.
- Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat grill or tandoor to high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through.
For the Tamarind Sauce:
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Strain and cool before serving.
- Serve hot chicken tikka with spicy tamarind sauce.
Notes
You can serve this dish with fresh naan (garlic naan is also lovely!) Chips (plain, masala or chilli chips are all highly recommended) and also don’t forget the sauces and chutneys that complete these desi indian pub meals. You can find the recipes for these sauces right here!
Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 390 | 20% |
Total Fat | 20g | 31% |
Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
Cholesterol | 150mg | 50% |
Sodium | 550mg | 24% |
Total Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
Sugars | 20g | – |
Protein | 32g | 64% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.