Chicken Tikka Sandwich
Juicy, tender pieces of chicken tikka, bursting with smoky tandoori flavor, are layered with crisp veggies and a creamy mint chutney mayo. A perfect, hearty lunch that brings the best of Indian flavors to a classic sandwich format.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, kasuri methi, lemon juice, and salt.
- c.Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
- d.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate for 4 hours or overnight.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Chicken Tikka
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
- d.Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning the pieces every few minutes, until they are golden brown, slightly charred on the edges, and cooked through.
- e.Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before roughly chopping into smaller, sandwich-friendly pieces.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Spread and Toast Bread
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and mint chutney until you have a smooth, uniformly colored spread.
- c.Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each of the 8 bread slices.
- d.On a hot griddle or pan, place the bread slices butter-side down and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Lay the toasted bread slices on a clean surface with the toasted side facing down.
- c.Generously apply the mint-mayo spread on the untoasted side of all 8 slices.
- d.On 4 of the slices, layer with a lettuce leaf, a few slices of tomato, and some onion rings.
- e.Top the vegetables with a hearty portion of the cooked chicken tikka.
- f.Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, spread-side down, and press gently to secure.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.For a classic presentation, slice the sandwiches in half diagonally.
- c.Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the bread is crisp. Enjoy with a side of potato chips, fries, or a fresh green salad.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest chicken tikka, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 2Using hung curd (strained yogurt) is key to a thick marinade that clings to the chicken and prevents it from becoming watery.
- 3To achieve a smoky 'tandoori' flavor without a tandoor, use the 'dhungar' method: place a small steel bowl in the center of your marinated chicken, add a piece of red-hot charcoal, drizzle a little ghee over it, and immediately cover the main bowl for 2-3 minutes.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken. This ensures the chicken sears and gets a nice char rather than steaming.
- 5Toast the bread well to create a barrier that prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy from the fillings and spread.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or firm tofu. The marination and cooking process remains the same, but reduce cooking time for paneer to avoid it becoming rubbery.
CheesyCheesy
Add a slice of provolone, pepper jack, or Amul cheese on top of the chicken tikka before closing the sandwich for a delicious, cheesy melt.
WrapWrap
Use a large tortilla, naan, or roti instead of bread slices. Warm the flatbread, add the fillings, and roll it up tightly to create a Chicken Tikka Wrap.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies to the chicken marinade for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken is a fantastic source of high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Gut Health Support
The curd (yogurt) used in the marinade is a natural probiotic. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to your digestive system, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and aiding digestion.
Rich in Antioxidants
Spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander are not just for flavor; they are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One Chicken Tikka Sandwich contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the type of bread, the amount of mayonnaise and butter used, and whether you use chicken breast or thigh.