Our Achari Chicken Tikka transforms the bold, tangy flavors of traditional Indian pickles into a mouthwatering grilled delight. Using Curry Tonight's Achari par-cooked sauce as the marinade, this dish delivers tender, smoky chicken pieces infused with complex pickling spices, subtle heat, and a perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Ideal for summer barbecues or indoor grilling year-round, this recipe brings the authentic flavors of Indian street food to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 pouch Curry Tonight Achari par-cooked sauce
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers

For the mint yogurt sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cucumber, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Sliced red onions

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Small bowl for yogurt sauce
• If using wooden skewers, a container for soaking

Instructions

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. In a large bowl, combine Curry Tonight Achari sauce, yogurt, lemon juice, oil, ginger paste, garlic, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
5. When ready to cook, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces.
7. Prepare the mint yogurt sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Grill chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and let rest for 5 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced red onions, and lemon wedges.
11. Serve hot with mint yogurt sauce and naan bread.

Tips for Success

• Use chicken thighs rather than breast for juicier, more flavorful tikka.
• Don't rush the marinating time – the longer it marinates, the more the tangy Achari flavors will penetrate the meat.
• Leave small spaces between chicken pieces when threading onto skewers to ensure even cooking.
• If cooking on an outdoor grill, keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame any flare-ups.
• For an extra smoky flavor, add a sprinkle of chaat masala just after grilling.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 per serving Protein: 32g Carbohydrates: 8g Fat: 18g Sodium: 520mg

Serving Suggestions

Serve these flavorful skewers with warm naan bread, steamed basmati rice, or a fresh kachumber salad. The cooling mint yogurt sauce provides the perfect contrast to the tangy, spiced chicken. For a complete meal, add a side of sautéed vegetables or dal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, enjoy cold in wraps or salads. The yogurt sauce can be stored separately for up to 2 days.

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute paneer cheese or firm tofu for the chicken.
• For a heartier dish, add chunks of bell pepper, onion, and tomato between the chicken pieces on the skewers.
• Increase the heat by adding a finely chopped green chili to the marinade.
• Create a wrap by rolling the chicken tikka in a warmed roti with mint sauce and sliced vegetables.

Chef's Notes

This Achari Chicken Tikka showcases the versatility of our Achari sauce beyond traditional curry applications. The tangy, complex pickling spices in the sauce create a marinade that both tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with layers of flavor that would typically require dozens of individual spices and hours of preparation. The caramelization that occurs during grilling adds another dimension that beautifully complements the sauce's signature tang.

FAQs

Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling? Yes! Bake in a 425°F oven for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.

What makes Achari flavor different from regular curry? Achari flavor is inspired by Indian pickles (achar), featuring prominently tangy notes with pickling spices like mustard seeds, fennel, and fenugreek that create a distinctive sweet-sour-spicy profile.

Keywords

Achari chicken tikka, Indian grilled chicken, pickle-spiced chicken, Achari sauce recipe, Curry Tonight, tandoori alternative, tangy chicken skewers, Indian barbecue chicken