What Is Chicken Tikka?

Chicken tikka is boneless chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven. The word “tikka” means “small pieces”, reflecting the bite-sized chunks used in the dish.

Today, chicken tikka is popular worldwide — grilled, pan-cooked or baked — but the flavour always comes from the signature chicken tikka spice mix.

Essential Chicken Tikka Spices

The heart of this dish is the chicken tikka spices. A typical blend includes:

• Coriander – fresh and citrusy
• Cumin – earthy and aromatic
• Turmeric – colour and mild bitterness
• Kashmiri red chilli – vibrant colour without too much heat
• Garam masala – warm spice base
• Black pepper – sharp heat
• Fenugreek – slightly sweet, smoky aroma
• Ginger & garlic powder – depth and savoury notes

These spices combine to create bold flavour while allowing the yogurt marinade to tenderise the meat.

Tikka Spice Mix & Seasoning Blend

A tikka spice mix (also called tikka seasoning or tikka curry spice) is a ready-made blend designed specifically for chicken tikka and tikka-style dishes.

This mix typically includes:

• Ground coriander
• Cumin powder
• Kashmiri chilli or paprika
• Turmeric
• Garam masala spices
• Black salt (optional)

Using a high-quality tikka spice mix ensures consistent flavour every time.

Tikka Masala Spice Blend Explained

The tikka masala spice blend is slightly different from tikka seasoning. It is used to create the creamy, restaurant-style tikka masala curry.

It usually includes:

• Tikka-style spices (coriander, cumin, chilli, turmeric)
• Onion powder
• Garlic & ginger powder
• Fenugreek leaves
• Additional warm spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon)

For more detail, you can link to: Tikka Masala Spice Blend – Full Guide.

Chicken Tikka Yogurt Marinade

The yogurt marinade is what makes chicken tikka tender, juicy and flavourful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2–3 tsp chicken tikka spice mix
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

How to make it:

1. Mix yogurt, spices, lemon juice and oil.
2. Add chicken pieces and coat well.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavour).
4. Grill, pan-cook or bake until the chicken is cooked through.

Full recipe: Chicken Tikka Yogurt Marinade Recipe.

Is Chicken Tikka Spicy?

Chicken tikka is usually mild to medium spicy. The level of heat depends on the type and amount of chilli powder used. Kashmiri chilli powder gives a deep red colour with gentle heat, making it ideal for families and beginners.

If you prefer a hotter version, you can increase the red chilli or add extra green chillies to the marinade. For a full breakdown, see: Is Chicken Tikka Spicy?

Dry Tikka Chicken Recipe (Quick Version)

Dry tikka chicken skips the curry sauce and focuses on charred, smoky, spice-coated pieces — perfect as a starter or for wraps and salads.

Ingredients:

• 500 g boneless chicken pieces
• 2 tbsp tikka seasoning mix
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Combine yogurt, tikka seasoning, lemon juice, oil and salt.
2. Coat the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30–60 minutes.
3. Thread onto skewers or spread on a tray.
4. Grill or bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until cooked and slightly charred at the edges.

More variations: Dry Tikka Chicken Recipe.

Tikka Powder, Chicken Tikka Mix & Variations

In shops you’ll see different labels like tikka powder, chicken tikka powder, chicken tikka mix, tikka seasoning mix and tikka curry spice blend.

They all follow the same idea: a ready-made spice blend that gives you the flavour of traditional chicken tikka without having to measure every single spice separately.

Related Articles

• Spice Blends of India – Main Pillar Page
• Tikka Masala Spice Blend
• North Indian Style Spice Mix
• Indian Spice Sets