Home / Indian

Free for a limited time

Oven Chicken Tikka: Grill Flavour Without Charcoal

By the Healthy Plate team

Oven Chicken Tikka

Tikka is one of the best-loved Indian dishes. The secret is the marinade: yogurt and spices tenderise the chicken and give it that classic red colour. We roast it in the oven instead of charcoal and oil, and it comes out juicy and charred.

In-article ad space

Why it's healthy

  • Chicken breast = high protein, low fat
  • Yogurt marinade instead of oil and butter
  • Oven-roasted, not fried

Oven Chicken Tikka

15 minPrep
20 minRoast
4Servings
310kcal

Ingredients

  • 700 g chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp tikka masala spice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3 garlic cloves and a piece of grated ginger
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Bell pepper and onion in squares
  • Wooden skewers

Method

  1. Mix yogurt, spices, garlic, ginger and lemon; marinate the chicken at least an hour.
  2. Thread chicken with pepper and onion onto skewers.
  3. Roast 20 minutes at 220°C, switching on the grill for the last 3 minutes.
  4. Serve with cucumber raita and wholegrain bread.
Stainless steel skewersAffiliate link — costs you nothing extra and supports the blog
Check price

Tip

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes so they don't burn.

Cucumber raita: the perfect side

Mix a cup of yogurt with grated cucumber, toasted cumin, mint and salt. It cools the spice and adds protein instead of heavy sauces.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes — 12–15 minutes at 200°C, turning halfway.

How long should it marinate?

At least an hour; overnight is best for tenderness.

Is tikka spicy?

Medium. Use less hot paprika, or sweet paprika for kids.

⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.