Bohra Chicken Tikka
Succulent chicken pieces marinated in a luscious, creamy green masala made from yogurt, cilantro, and mint. This unique Bohra-style tikka is mildly spicy, incredibly tender, and melts in your mouth, with an optional smoky finish.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Green Marinade Paste (5 minutes)
- b.In a blender, combine the packed coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chillies, drained soaked cashews, and ginger-garlic paste.
- c.Blend to a smooth, thick paste. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water only if necessary to help it blend, but keep the paste as thick as possible.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken (5 minutes + 4 hours marination)
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk the hung curd until it is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh cream and whisk again to combine.
- c.Stir in the prepared green paste, lemon juice, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- d.Add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure each piece is generously coated.
- e.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the most tender and flavorful results, marinate overnight (8-12 hours).
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken Tikka (15-20 minutes)
- b.Heat oil in a wide, non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before you add the chicken.
- c.Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- d.Cook for 6-8 minutes on one side, until you see golden-brown char marks. Flip the pieces and cook for another 6-8 minutes on the other side.
- e.The chicken is done when it's cooked through and tender. You can test by cutting a piece; the juices should run clear. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
- f.Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Optional: Infuse with Smoky Flavor (Dhungar Method) (10 minutes)
- b.Place all the cooked chicken tikka in a large, heatproof bowl. Create a small well in the center and place a small steel cup or a piece of aluminum foil shaped like a cup.
- c.Using tongs, hold the piece of charcoal over a direct flame until it is red hot and glowing.
- d.Carefully place the hot charcoal into the steel cup inside the bowl.
- e.Immediately pour the ghee over the hot charcoal. It will start to smoke profusely.
- f.Quickly cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid to trap the smoke. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the smoky flavor.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Carefully remove the lid, allowing the smoke to dissipate. Discard the charcoal.
- c.Serve the Bohra Chicken Tikka immediately, garnished with onion rings and lemon wedges. It pairs wonderfully with mint chutney and naan bread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest marinade, use hung curd. To make it, place regular yogurt in a muslin cloth and hang it for 2-3 hours to drain excess whey.
- 2Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a juicier, more flavorful tikka.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking. This steams the chicken instead of searing it, preventing the delicious charred bits from forming.
- 4Ensure the marinade is thick. A watery marinade will not cling to the chicken and will burn in the pan.
- 5For an alternative cooking method, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill on a barbecue or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 500g of paneer cubes or firm tofu. Reduce the marination time to 1-2 hours.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Substitute the cashews with 2 tablespoons of roasted gram flour (besan) or 2 tablespoons of thick coconut cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies to 6-8, or add 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder to the marinade for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of yogurt (curd) provides beneficial probiotics, which help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, aiding digestion and improving nutrient absorption.
Rich in Antioxidants
Herbs like coriander and mint, along with spices like ginger and garlic, are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Provides Healthy Fats
Cashews contribute monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Bohra Chicken Tikka contains approximately 440 calories, primarily from the chicken, cream, and cashews. This can vary based on the exact ingredients and cooking oil used.