The word tikka in India simply means chunks or pieces. Chicken tikka is a classic speciality from the famous Indian cuisines and rustling it up is as easy as A, B, C. Similar to kebobs/kebabs, tikka are super-yummy, versatile, good to the eyes (colourful) and certainly, easy to make. All of these make them kid-friendly too!
Kiddies love finger foods, they love chicken and they love colours. Preparing meals similar to finger-foods in presentation makes it almost impossible to resist. Today’s recipe is focused on one more way to get your little one enjoying his/her meal with no fuss. It’s also a fantastic way to get them eating healthily too – the addition of fruits to these kabobs ensures that!
Marinated in yoghurt and spices, then grilled on skewers till brown, these chicken tikka are bursting with colours and flavours; so tender they’ll almost melt in the mouth.
Mothers, here’s one for your kid…Chicken Tikka and Pineapple Kebobs!
Chicken Tikka and Pineapple Kabobs
Ingredients:
1 kg chicken (breast or thigh) skin removed and cut into chunks
1 cup fresh low-fat/unsweetened Yoghurt
1 Tbsps Ginger paste
2 Tbsps Garlic paste
3 – 4 Tbsps Garam Masala Spice mix (can be substituted with a blend of cumin, coriander and black pepper)
½ Tbsp Red chilli Powder (Paprika is milder so it’s best option when considering kids)
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
Fresh Pineapple slices, cut into chunks
2 Tbsp Lime/ lemon juice
2 Tbsp cooking oil/melted butter
Salt
Seasoning cubes
Wooden skewers
Method:
Combine lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a bowl and let stand for about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, seasoning cubes and chilli pepper. Blend thoroughly and then stir in the lemon and salt mix. Pour in chicken chunks and stir until chicken is well coated with the spicy yoghurt mixture. Refrigerate marinated chicken for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
Turn on barbecue grill or oven on medium-high heat (180-200C). Thread Chicken and pineapple chunks alternatively onto skewers. Brush with melted butter and place into oven. Turn intermittently and grill until cooked through.
Alternatively, grill chicken chunks first, then arrange onto skewers with fresh pineapples and serve. Chicken tikka can be served with rice, pasta or noodles. For variety, other fruits like apples, kiwis and cherries can be used.
Your kids will definitely love to have this tasty meal again and again!
***Recipe can be enjoyed by adults too.