Olivia Carter
If you are a fan of Indian cuisine and want to enjoy the delicious flavors of Chicken Tikka at home, then this recipe is for you. Chicken Tikka is a popular and mouth-watering dish made with boneless chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection. While traditionally, this dish is prepared in a tandoor or clay oven, you can also make it in a microwave oven with equally amazing results.
Marinating the chicken:
To make Chicken Tikka in a microwave oven, the first step is to marinate the chicken to infuse it with the flavors of the spices. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a smooth paste. Add the boneless chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour to overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb all the flavors.
Cooking in the microwave oven:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it in the microwave oven. Take a microwave-safe dish and lightly grease it with oil. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the dish, making sure they are evenly spread out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
Set your microwave oven to the highest power setting (usually 100%) and microwave the chicken for about 6-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from overcooking. After the initial cooking time, remove the dish from the microwave and carefully turn the chicken pieces over. Place the dish back in the microwave and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
Once the chicken tikka is cooked, remove it from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan bread or rice. The chicken tikka will be juicy, flavorful, and have a hint of smokiness from the microwave cooking process. Enjoy this delightful dish with your family and friends!
Preparing the Chicken
Before you can start cooking the chicken tikka in the microwave oven, you need to prepare the chicken. Follow these steps:
- First, wash the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold running water.
- Pat the chicken pieces dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Marinate the chicken pieces in the yogurt mixture, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.
Note: You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is an essential step to infuse it with rich flavors and tenderize it. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken for chicken tikka in the microwave oven:
Ingredients:
Before you start marinating the chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice mix
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, tikka masala spice mix, garlic paste, ginger paste, and salt. Mix well to make a smooth marinade.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Make sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and tenderize it.
5. After marinating, the chicken is ready to be cooked in the microwave oven for chicken tikka.
Now that you have successfully marinated the chicken, you can proceed to the next step of cooking chicken tikka in the microwave oven.
Cooking the Chicken in Microwave Oven
Once you have marinated the chicken tikka, it’s time to cook it in the microwave oven. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious chicken tikka:
Step 1: Preparing the Microwave Oven
Make sure your microwave oven is clean and in proper working condition. Place a microwave-safe plate inside the oven to cook the chicken tikka. This will help collect any excess juices that may drip during the cooking process.
Step 2: Arranging the Chicken Pieces
Take out the marinated chicken tikka pieces and arrange them on the microwave-safe plate. Make sure to keep some space between the pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help the chicken tikka cook properly and prevent it from sticking to each other.
Step 3: Setting the Microwave Power and Time
Set the microwave power to high and the cooking time to 10 minutes. This may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave oven, so keep an eye on the chicken tikka while it’s cooking. If it needs more time, continue cooking in 1-minute intervals until the chicken is cooked through.
Tip: If you prefer a smoky flavor in your chicken tikka, you can also use the microwave’s grill function instead of the microwave power.
Step 4: Turning and Basting the Chicken
After the initial cooking time, carefully turn the chicken tikka pieces using tongs or a fork. Basting the chicken with the leftover marinade or a mixture of melted butter and spices will help keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Final Cooking and Resting
Continue cooking the chicken tikka for another 5-6 minutes or until it’s cooked through and beautifully charred. Once cooked, remove the plate from the microwave oven and allow the chicken tikka to rest for a couple of minutes. This will help the flavors to settle and make the chicken more tender.
Caution: The plate will be hot, so use oven mitts or a towel to handle it.
Now that your chicken tikka is perfectly cooked, serve it hot with mint chutney, naan bread, or steamed rice! Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make dish right at home.
Serving the Chicken Tikka
Once your chicken tikka is cooked and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
1. Garnish:
Sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice over the chicken tikka to enhance its flavors.
2. Accompaniments:
Chicken tikka is often served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some popular options:
- Naan or Roti: Serve the chicken tikka with freshly baked naan bread or roti.
- Rice: Pair the tikka with fragrant basmati rice or jeera rice for a complete meal.
- Salad: Prepare a refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and mint leaves, and serve it alongside the chicken tikka.
- Mint Chutney: Whip up a mint chutney by blending fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt. Serve this chutney as a dip with the tikka.
Feel free to mix and match these accompaniments based on your personal preferences. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way of enjoying chicken tikka.
FAQ
Can I make chicken tikka in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make chicken tikka in a microwave oven. It is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious dish.
What ingredients do I need to make chicken tikka in a microwave oven?
To make chicken tikka in a microwave oven, you will need boneless chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and oil. You can also add food coloring and kasuri methi for additional flavor.
How long should I marinate chicken tikka before cooking it in a microwave oven?
It is recommended to marinate the chicken tikka for at least 2 hours before cooking it in a microwave oven. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it more tender and flavorful.
