Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (2024)

Our Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka recipe showcases a spatchco*ck chicken infused with savory goodness from a creamy yogurt marinade. Seared, baked, and broiled, this chicken has the perfect balance of crispiness on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside.

Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, this whole roasted chicken tikka is sure to impress!

Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (1)

Table of Contents

  • What Is Chicken Tikka?
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • Skip the Takeout with the Best Chicken Tikka Recipe You’ll Ever Taste
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Common Questions About This Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe
  • More Fantastic Chicken Recipes
  • Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe

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.
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Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (3)

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.

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03/20/2024 06:59 pm GMT

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Serving Suggestions

Chicken tikka is commonly served with a side of white rice. However, it’s also a perfect pairing with these side dishes:

  • 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!

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Common Questions About This Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe

What’s the difference between chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala?

Chicken tikka is typically pieces of meat that are marinated in a yogurt mixture and grilled or roasted. Tikka masala is made by cooking chunks of marinated meat in a spicy, tomato-based sauce.

What does chicken tikka taste like?

Chicken tikka is warm, savory, slightly spicy, and creamy. It’s truly a unique combination of pungent, earthy, and sweet flavors!

What is chicken tikka vs tandoori?

The primary difference is the cut of meat used. For instance, skinless, boneless pieces of chicken breast typically form kebabs. Meanwhile half, whole chicken, legs, breasts, and wings can be used for tandoori.

Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (10)

More Fantastic Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a staple in our homes so we’ve found plenty of ways to jazz it up! Check out more of our mouthwatering chicken-based recipes:

  • How to Cook a Whole Chicken
  • The Best Baked Tandoori Chicken
  • Middle Eastern Chicken and Potatoes
  • One Pot Chicken and Orzo

Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (11)

Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka

5 from 5 votes

Author: Food Dolls

Servings: 6 servings

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr

Marinade Time: 12 hours hrs

Total: 13 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Save Pin Print

Make this whole roasted chicken tikka recipe in the oven for a juicy, flavorful chicken dish perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 whole chicken spatchco*cked (backbone removed and flattened)

Instructions

Prepare Marinade:

  • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, garam masala, smoked paprika, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.

    3/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 Tablespoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 3 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 4 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons grated ginger, 2 Tablespoons tomato paste, 2 Tablespoons lemon juice

    Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (12)

Marinate Chicken:

  • Spatchco*ck the whole chicken by removing the backbone and flattening it.

    1 whole chicken

  • Using a sharp knife, make deep slits on both sides of the chicken.

    Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (13)

  • Place the spatchco*cked chicken in a large dish or resealable plastic bag.

  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure it penetrates into the slits.

    Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (14)

  • Cover the dish or seal the bag, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

  • Season with a 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to taste.

Cooking:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

  • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Once hot, place the chicken skin-side down and cook for a few minutes until nicely charred.

  • Flip the chicken over and sear the other side for a few minutes.

  • Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Cover the dish tightly with foil.

  • Place the covered chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the juices run clear.

  • Remove the foil, and switch the oven to broil. Broil the chicken for a few minutes until the skin is crisp and browned, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serve:

  • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

    Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (15)

  • Serve the spatchco*cked tikka chicken with sides of choice, and enjoy!

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

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Welcome to Food Dolls! We’re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do!Learn moreabout us!

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Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is tandoori chicken and roasted chicken same? ›

The main difference between tandoor and roasted chicken is the cooking method. Tandoor is a type of clay oven that uses charcoal or wood to create high temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then skewered and cooked for several minutes until it's juicy and tender.

Why is my chicken tikka dry? ›

Overcooking: Chicken dries out when it's cooked for too long. Poultry, unlike red meats, does not have as much fat marbling to keep it moist, so it's easy to overcook and end up with dry meat.

Which is hotter tikka masala or Butter Chicken? ›

Tikka Masala is generally spicier than Butter Chicken. The spiciness of Tikka Masala comes from the use of chili powder, cumin, and other spices. On the other hand, Butter Chicken has a milder taste, with just a hint of spiciness from chili powder.

What is different about chicken tikka? ›

"Tikka" describes grilled or roasted meat marinated in yogurt or flavored water and then cooked on skewers. However, Tandoori Tikka Masala restaurant style can be served with any form of Chicken, while Butter Chicken is often made from breast meat in which Chicken is shredded and cut into nugget size pieces.

Which is better chicken tikka or tandoori? ›

Chicken tikka is packed with protein, fibre, fat, and carbohydrates. It contains 0.7 grams of fibre, 4.2 grams of protein, and 5 grams of net carbs. On the other hand, Chicken tandoori is enriched with protein, fibre, and carbohydrates. It has 8.7 grams of net carbs, 1.8 grams of fibre, and 17.5 grams of protein.

What is the difference between tikka and tandoori chicken? ›

Chicken tikka kebab requires skinless and boneless chunks of chicken necessarily taken from breast. On the other hand, chicken tandoori can be made with both half and full chicken. Most of the time, legs, breasts, and wings are used for preparing tandoori. The delicacy is not boneless.

What are the disadvantages of chicken tikka? ›

High Fat and Cholesterol Content

Saturated fat can increase your risk for heart disease and raise your cholesterol levels, and each serving of chicken tikka masala contains 28 grams of saturated fat, or 138 percent of the daily value.

What is the red stuff on chicken tikka? ›

It's red food dye. The concentrated liquid one works best for me, but you can also use powdered red cabbage or beetroot for a less intense colour. Some tandoori spice mixes come with the coloring in it. I like to add a bit of turmeric to give it a bit more of an orangey-red color.

What makes chicken tikka so red? ›

In the above photograph – taken from my book 'The Curry Guy' you will notice two different chicken tikka masalas. Believe it or not, they both tasted exactly the same. Red food colouring is used to give chicken tikka masalas their bright red colour.

Can I mix tikka masala and butter chicken? ›

One key ingredient of the butter chicken sauce is butter, while chicken tikka masala main ingredients rely on tomatoes. But you don't want to mix the two up. The first dish includes tomatoes.

Is Vindaloo better than tikka masala? ›

Vindaloo is known for its spicy and tangy profile, often made with vinegar and hot spices. Tikka Masala, on the other hand, has a creamy tomato-based sauce with milder spices, resulting in a rich and mildly spiced flavor. Your preference depends on your taste for spice and degree of creaminess.

What is healthier butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Butter chicken is a healthier option than tikka masala. Tikka masala has an average of 400-500 calories per serving, but one serving of butter chicken can have 438 calories. If you are concerned about the fat content, you can always substitute butter and heavy cream with lower fat ones.

What is chicken tikka called in English? ›

Chicken tikka masala is a dish consisting of roasted marinated chicken chunks (chicken tikka) in a spiced sauce. The sauce is usually creamy and orange-coloured. The dish was popularised by cooks from India living in Great Britain and is offered at restaurants around the world. Chicken tikka masala.

Is chicken tikka good or bad for you? ›

Chicken Tikka Masala has many health benefits. The primary source of protein in Chicken Tikka Masala is chicken. It also helps control blood pressure and weight loss and reduces harmful cholesterol levels.

Why is chicken tikka so good? ›

Everyone loves this dish worldwide. It is a delicious combination of marinated chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce. So, it's not hard to understand why it's become so popular Indian dish. The aromatic herbs and unique mix of flavors make this dish genuinely one-of-a-kind.

What is the difference between tandoori chicken and regular chicken? ›

They are seasoned and colored with cayenne pepper, red chili powder, or Kashmiri red chili powder as well as turmeric or food coloring. The marinated chicken is placed on skewers and cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor oven, which is heated with charcoal or wood, which adds to the smoky flavour.

What is roasted chicken called? ›

Rotisserie chicken is a chicken dish that is cooked on a rotisserie by using direct heat in which the chicken is placed next to the heat source.

What is the other name of roasted chicken? ›

Synonyms for Roast chicken
  • fried chicken.
  • roasted chicken. n.
  • baked chicken.
  • barbecue chicken.
  • barbecued chicken.
  • chicken fried.
  • chicken fried steak.
  • chicken marengo.

Is tandoor and oven same? ›

The word Tandoor means a cylindrical oven used for baking and cooking. Traditionally the fuel used in Tandoor is charcoal or firewood. Modern Tandoor ovens uses cooking gas and electricity also instead of charcoal.

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