Chicken Tikka Kebab Tacos

Chicken Tikka Kebab Tacos - Chicken Tikka is a starter/appetiser that is popular in Indian homes and restaurants all over the world. In this recipe, we add Chicken Tikka pieces to a Taco/Flour Tortilla to make a Chicken Tikka Masala Taco.

Chicken Tikka Tacos

This chicken tikka recipe is something we have grown up on. We quite often make Chicken tikka pieces for Meal prep and use them throughout the week in Sandwiches, Wraps or Tacos! You can also add them to Garlic Butter Naan and have them as Chicken Kebabs.

The pieces can even be used to top a Pizza, a Jacket Potato. You can even add them to a curry such as Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala or Butter Chicken.

You can marinade the Chicken overnight, for 2 hours or use it immediately. It can be Pan fried, Air fried, Barbecued or grilled. Either way you will get  the most tender and juicy Chicken. You only need 10 - 15 minutes to cook them and you can make the pieces ahead, add store them in the fridge to cook later.

It can also be made in the Oven and cooked at 200 C/390 F/Gas Mark 6 for 15 - 20 minutes.

These Chicken Tikka pieces are keto and low carb diet friendly.
 
If you are looking for other Indian Starters, why not try Indian Street Food Style Aloo Tikki Chaat, Samosa Chaat, How to make Crispy Aloo Pakora - Potato Bajia.

Chicken Tikka Masala is essentially Tandoori Chicken but without the Tandoor (Clay Oven).

This recipe also makes a great alternative to Taco Tuesday (Tacos with indian flavors). Why not?!

You can add Vegetables to the skewers. The most popular addition is Red Onions and Peppers but I personally prefer them without.

Why you will love this Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos Recipe

Simple Recipe

You are basically marinading Chicken and then just cooking it according to your preferred method.

Healthy

Chicken Tikka Kebab is healthy and can be made ahead for meal prep.

Can be used in other Recipes

The Chicken pieces can be added to a number of dishes such as Pasta, Salad or to a Curry. .

Ingredients Needed for these Chicken Skewers

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken Breast or Thighs (cut into equal pieces - 1-2 inch cubes)

For the Marinade

Plain Yogurt, Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste, Lemon Juice, Oil, Tandoori Masala can be found in all major grocery stores), Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, Chilli Powder, Garam Masala Powder.

Optional Additions

Tomato Puree, Dry Fenugreek Leaves, Mint Sauce - These are a nice to have but not essential.

Tacos

Flour or Corn Tacos or Tortillas.

How to make Chicken Tikka Tacos

The full recipe with measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here is how to make it.

Soak wooden skewers in Water for 30 minutes if using.

Combine Chicken with all of the marinade ingredients in a large bowl, then mix thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to allow the flavours to develop and infuse into the chicken.

How to cook Chicken Tikka in a Pan

Add a little Oil to the pan and cook over medium heat for 15 - 20 minutes turning midway.

Make sure the chicken is cooked through by slicing into a thicker piece and ensuring there is no pink left in the middle.

Here are some strip versions I made:

How to cook Chicken Tikka in an Air Fryer

Spray the Air Fryer basket or crush it with Oil. Add Chicken and cook at 180 C/350 F for 10 - 12 minutes.

How to make Chicken Tikka Kebab in the Oven

Place Chicken on a tray lined with baking paper. Bake at 200 C/Gas Mark 6/400 F for 15 - 20 minutes turning midway,

How to Grill Chicken Tikka

Place chicken tikka masala mixture (don't add too much of the marinade) under a grill over medium-high heat for 10 - 15 minutes turning midway.

Assemble Chicken Tikka Tacos

Warm the Tacos under the grill/on a flame or place all 4 on a and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second bursts till warmed through.

Assemble Tacos by adding Chicken, Sauces and your favourite toppings.

How to Serve Chicken Tikka Kebab Tacos

Taco Toppings

Serve with standard taco toppings such as Onions, coriander, pico de gallo, sliced radishes, cucumbers, avocado, and chili peppers. 

Garnish

Serve alongisde Lemon Wedges (or Lime wedges) and Pickled Red Onion.

Kachumber

Serve with Kachumber.

Mint Chutney

Serve with Green Mint Chutney - Blend a small handful of Coriander, 1 teaspoon Mint Sauce, 2 Garlic Cloves, 1 Green Chilli, 3 tablespoon Plain Yoghurt and 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice till smooth.

Garlic Sauce

Blend 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste with 4 tablespoon Mayonnaise, 120g Plain Yoghurt, Pinch dry Parsley, 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice, ¼ teaspoon dry Mint, ½ teaspoon Salt and ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper.

Choice of Wrap

Serve in flour tortillas, corn tortillas, in a paratha or Naan for Chicken Tikka rolls or any flat unleavened bread.

With Rice

Serve with Ghee Rice and Raita.

Use the Pieces in other Recipes

You can also add them to Garlic Butter Naan and have them as Chicken Kebabs.

The pieces can even be used to top a Pizza, a Jacket Potato. You can even add them to a curry such as Tandoori Chicken Tikka Masala or Butter Chicken.

Variations

Lime Juice

Use Lime Juice instead of Lemon Juice for a different flavour.

Veggie Version

Use the same marinade for Paneer and make a vegetarian version instead.

Seafood

Use the same marinade for Prawns or Salmon.

Veg and Chicken Tikka Skewers

Add Veggies such as chopped Green Pepper and Red Onions to the skewers.

Red Food Colouring

Add Red Food Colouring. A few drops will give you a really vibrant red.

Tips to make the best Chicken Tikka Kebab

Marinade - Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is preferred.

Don’t overcook the meat - This will result in dry chewy Kebabs.

Make Ahead - Make ahead for use during the week or chicken and freeze for up to 3 months.

Wooden Skewers - Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.

Even pieces - Try to keep the size of chicken pieces uniform so they cook evenly.

Space the Chicken out - Leave space between the chicken pieces so all parts of the Chicken can cook equally and at the same time.

Check the Chicken is cooked - Check the chicken is cooked by slicing into a piece and make sure sure there is no pink colour remaining and it is hot throughout.

Gram Flour - You can add some Flour to the marinade such as Gram Flour to help it adhere to the Chicken better.

Make Ahead

You can marinade the Chicken up to a day ahead and make it just before using.

Storage

The Chicken in Chicken Tikka Tacos can be made up to  days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge although it is best eaten fresh as it can dry out.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the hob over low heat until hot all the way through.

More Easy Chicken Starter/Lunch Recipes:

Chicken Naanwich

Easy Indian Chicken Salad Wrap

Easy Pakistani Chicken Chapli Kebab

Tandoori Chicken Kebab

Indian Chicken Kebabs

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