Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (2024)

This whole roasted chicken tikka recipe features an entire spatchco*ck chicken infused with savory flavor from a creamy yogurt marinade. Seared, baked, and broiled, it’s crisp on the outside yet tender and juicy in the center.

What Is Chicken Tikka?

Chicken tikka is a type of chicken dish that is popular in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Typically, chicken tikka is made with boneless pieces of chicken marinaded in a spiced yogurt mixture.

Then, they are threaded onto skewers and cooked over charcoal. This recipe features the same yogurt marinade but uses a whole chicken. We bake it in the oven to keep things simple while retaining the juicy consistency of the meat and bold flavors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

• Chicken – Use a whole spatchco*ck chicken.
• Yogurt – Plain, full-fat yogurt forms the base of the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with a tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil – Similar to the yogurt, this helps tenderize the chicken and creates a smooth marinade.
• Seasonings – Garam masala, smoked paprika, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper create the warm, bold flavor we look for in chicken tikka recipes.
• Aromatics – Fresh garlic cloves and grated ginger add a tangy, subtly sweet flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Adds extra depth to the marinade.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best! The acidity cuts through some of the heaviness of the fats and balances the warm flavors.

Skip the Takeout with the Best Chicken Tikka Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

1. Prepare the marinade. Combine all the ingredients (except the chicken) in a large bowl, whisking until smooth.
2. Spatchco*ck the chicken. Remove the backbone from the chicken, and flatten it down.
3. Season the chicken. Use a sharp knife to make deep slits on both sides of the chicken. Place the chicken in a large dish or sealable bag, and pour the marinade on top.
4. Marinate the chicken. Massage the chicken, making sure the marinade gets into the slits. Cover the chicken, and transfer it to the fridge.
5. Warm. Allow the chicken to sit out at room temperature.
6. Cook. Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Then, add the chicken skin-side down, and cook until charred. Flip the chicken over, and sear the other side.
7. Bake. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven, and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Broil. Remove the foil, and broil the chicken until the skin is brown and crisp. Be careful not to burn!
9. Serve. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Then, slice, and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken tikka is commonly served with a side of white rice. However, it’s also fantastic with options like:

• Turmeric Rice
• Egyptian Baked Rice
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad
• Spiraled Yogurt Cucumber Salad
• Pita Bread

And don’t forget to add a sauce like tzatziki or toum for even more flavor!

Common Questions About This Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe

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