Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (2024)

Our Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka recipe showcases a spatchcock 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 spatchcock 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. Spatchcock 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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03/13/2024 06:04 am 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.

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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

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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 spatchcocked (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:

  • Spatchcock 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 spatchcocked 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 spatchcocked 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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Whole Roasted Chicken Tikka Recipe (22)

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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

Why is my chicken tikka dry? ›

Tips for Juicy Chicken Tikka

Don't over cook chicken else it will get dry. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight for best result. Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking. You can marinate the chicken for upto 2 days.

How do you get the most meals out of a whole chicken? ›

Turn the chicken breast-side up, then press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten and open out the chicken.
  1. Meal 1: Spatchcocked roast chicken with orzo and roast vegetables. ...
  2. Meal 2: Chicken, leek and ham pasties. ...
  3. Meal 3 Freekeh, chicken and pomegranate salad. ...
  4. Meal 4: Chicken and mango coconut curry.

Is chicken tikka the same as chicken tikka masala? ›

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.

What is the main flavor in tikka masala? ›

Tikka Masala is a tomato and cream-based sauce that's smoky from the chargrilled chicken, rich and creamy, with a slight sweetness and tanginess with mild heat (although we like it hot!) punctuated by earthy spices, ginger and garlic.

What is chicken tikka sauce made from? ›

Tomato puree

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 is the difference between chicken tikka and tandoori chicken? ›

Skinless, boneless chicken breast portions are necessary for chicken tikka kebabs. On the other hand, half and whole chicken can be used to make chicken tandoori. For making tandoori, legs, breasts, and wings are typically used. In addition, the delicatessen contains some bone.

How many meals can 1 whole chicken make? ›

I often buy whole chickens and create an entire menu plan around 1 chicken, using it in a variety of different ways to create 4-5 meals from one chicken. The meals are diverse enough that it doesn't feel like you're eating the same thing every day.

What part of a whole chicken takes the longest to cook? ›

Dark meat, such as chicken thighs or legs, will take longer to cook, because they have a higher fat content and density.

Can you eat a whole chicken everyday? ›

While chicken can be a versatile and convenient protein to cook, if your diet doesn't have a diverse protein profile, you lose out on some key nutrients—including essential fats, such as omega-3s. "Eating chicken every day as your sole protein source could result in some nutrient gaps," says Burgess.

What is better butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Tikka Masala is the better option if you are looking for a lower-fat and calorie dish. However, suppose you are looking for a dish that is milder in spiciness and has a sweeter taste. In that case, Butter Chicken is the better choice.

Is chicken tikka good for you? ›

An average serving of Chicken Tikka (around 250 grams) contains 312 calories. Although this number might look big, if prepared right, Chicken Tikka is actually healthy, since it is marinated with curd and spices and baked using skewers, it has the least oil usage, and roasted chicken is always beneficial.

Do Indians eat chicken tikka masala? ›

Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic Indian dish. 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.

What's the difference between chicken curry and chicken tikka masala? ›

Chicken tikka masala has more protein and less fat (7 grams) than chicken curry (4 grams) because chicken curry contains ghee or oil, whereas chicken-tikka masala does not. And that probably explains why people like it so much!

Where is chicken tikka masala made from? ›

While many people assume that this dish originated in India, the most popular origin story places its roots in Scotland when a Bengali chef had to improvise in a jiffy. Today, many consider it to be the national dish of the UK. The dish is celebrated for embracing the diverse and ancient heritage of the islands.

Is chicken tikka masala a real Indian dish? ›

Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic Indian dish. 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.

What makes tikka masala different? ›

The only major difference that can be seen is that tikka masala contains more masala or spices in it. Tikka and tikka masala are of Indian origin. In tikka preparation, boneless chicken pieces are baked along with skewers in an oven made of clay called a tandoor.

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