Chicken Tikki
Tender minced chicken and fluffy potatoes, seasoned with aromatic Indian spices and pan-fried until golden brown. These savory patties are a perfect appetizer or evening snack, especially with mint chutney.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Potatoes
- b.Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
- c.Drain the potatoes completely, peel the skin, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- d.Mash the potatoes thoroughly and let them cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial to prevent the mixture from becoming sticky.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Tikki Mixture
- b.To the bowl of cooled mashed potatoes, add the chicken mince, finely chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, and chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Add all the powdered spices: turmeric, red chili, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chaat masala. Add the salt and lemon juice.
- d.Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, which will act as a binding agent.
- e.Using clean hands, gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the tikkis tough.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Tikkis
- b.Lightly grease your palms with a few drops of oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- c.Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
- d.Take one portion, roll it into a smooth ball between your palms, and then gently flatten it into a round patty (tikki) about 2.5 inches in diameter and 0.5 inch thick.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shallow Fry the Tikkis
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, carefully place the shaped tikkis in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry in batches if necessary.
- d.Cook for 4-6 minutes on the first side, until it's golden brown and crisp.
- e.Flip the tikkis carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, until cooked through and evenly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Remove the cooked tikkis from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- c.Serve the Chicken Tikkis hot with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or your favorite dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled potatoes are completely cool and dry before mashing to prevent the mixture from becoming sticky.
- 2If the mixture feels too wet to shape, add a tablespoon or two of roasted gram flour (besan) or more breadcrumbs.
- 3Fry the tikkis on a consistent medium heat to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning the exterior.
- 4For an extra crispy crust, you can coat the shaped tikkis in a thin layer of semolina (rava) or panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- 5These tikkis can be shaped ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving.
- 6Leftover tikkis can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or an air fryer for best results.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
Instead of shallow frying, brush the tikkis with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Replace the chicken mince with 400g of crumbled paneer or a mixture of boiled and mashed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans.
Different TextureDifferent Texture
Add 1/4 cup of soaked and drained flattened rice (poha) to the mixture for a lighter, crispier texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Energy Boosting
The potatoes in the tikkis provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, keeping you feeling full and energized.
Rich in Aromatic Spices
Spices like turmeric contain curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin and coriander are traditionally used to aid digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Tikki can be a relatively healthy dish as it's a good source of protein from chicken. However, it is shallow-fried, which adds fat and calories. For a healthier option, you can bake or air-fry the tikkis instead.