Easy Chicken Tikka Sandwich Recipe

There are so many different ways to enjoy these sandwiches that each time I prepare them it seems like I’m enjoying a totally new recipe! Sometimes I add some leftover Kachumber as my veggie filling and at times I use a chutney instead of a mayonnaise based dressing. If it’s close to the holidays, I love to use use up my leftover cranberry chutney as a flavor enhancer. For an easy dinner I add this delicious spicy mango salad and authentic chinese chicken corn soup to my chicken tikka sandwich recipe and it becomes a full and satisfying meal!

Why you’ll love the recipe

Great Flavor - It takes the “boring” out of something as basic as a sandwich. Easy Recipe -It’s a super simple recipe that can easily fit into a weekly meal prep routine. Accommodates Lots of Dietary Needs - There are a lot of different ways to serve the sandwiches,allowing for easy adaptation for assorted dietary needs. Versatile Recipe - It works just as well for a school or work lunch as it does for a formal event you may be hosting.

Ingredient notes

The Chicken & Marinade

Chicken - I like to use tenderloins as they’re perfectly sized, juicy and require no cleaning. Boneless thighs would be a good alternate. Yogurt - Use full fat plain yogurt for a creamy texture. Avoid Greek yogurt as it tends to curdle. Cooking oil - I like to use Avocado or Canola for most of my cooking. However, Sunflower oil, Peanut oil or any other neutral oil that can tolerate high heat will work just as well. Lemon - I personally like to use a fresh squeezed lemon for my recipe, but some good alternatives are, a fresh lime or some bottled lemon juice. Garlic paste - Homemade garlic paste is always my preferred option, but store bought garlic paste is a great alternative if you don’t have time to make your own. Ginger paste - I always suggest using fresh ginger if you have the time to prep some because the taste is amazing compared to a store bought paste. But, if you are pushed for time by all means feel free to use the store bought one. Spices - The spices are all listed below in the recipe card and are very easy to source at any local grocery store. The cumin is optional, I’ve made this recipe with and without it and the results have been excellent both times. Food coloring - This is purely optional and is only necessary to give that restaurant color to your chicken tikka. If you want a healthy alternative to traditional food coloring, beet root powder works really well.

The Sandwiches

Dressing - I like to mix mayonnaise and ketchup to make a spread for my bread. It’s a quick and simple way to add moisture and flavor to the sandwich. Steak rolls - I like to use steak rolls for my sandwiches, liking the crusty outside and soft inside. Vegetables - I love to use red onions, green bell peppers, shredded carrots and cilantro microgreens as my fill ins. Cheese - Some shredded mozzarella melted on top adds the perfect finishing touch to this sandwich !

For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Substitutes and Variations

Try this recipe as a wrap - Use your favorite flatbread and try the chicken as a wrap instead of a sandwich! It won’t disappoint! Switch up the condiments - The same chicken with different add-ins tastes like a whole new sandwich! Use some chutney instead of the mayonnaise spread or add sriracha instead of ketchup with the mayo. Change the vegetables and try a different mix in your sandwich every time! Make yourself a carb free version - Make a lettuce wrap or simply use the chicken tenderloins as a salad topper for a carb free meal option! The easy vegetarian version - Ever tried a Paneer Tikka sandwich? Just marinate some Paneer or Tofu in the marinade below, cook and add to your sandwich or salad!

Step by step recipe instructions

Here’s how to make these Easy Chicken Tikka Sandwiches!

Step 1 - Marinate the chicken

To cook the chicken in your grill pan, drizzle some cooking oil and set the pan on the stove to preheat. Once the pan is hot, place 3-4 tenderloins on it and sear them at full heat. Then reduce the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes so they can cook through. Flip them over and sear the other side. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer and cook until it is 165?.

Option B - air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350? and preheat it for 5 minutes. Then put the chicken in the basket and cook for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to evenly brown both sides. Check it with a thermometer to insure that it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165?.

Option C - the oven

Preheat your oven to 400?. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to insure it will cook evenly on both sides. Check with your thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through to 165?.

Step 3 - Assemble the sandwich

Let the chicken rest for a minute before slicing it. Use that time to warm up your bread and mix your mayo and ketchup. Once everything is ready, spread the dressing on the bread and add the sliced chicken. Add the cheese and toast it just till it melts, add your sliced veggies and microgreens and enjoy!

Expert tips

To save time, marinate a large batch of chicken at one time and freeze it in portions. Next time you’re in the mood for the a Chicken Tikka Sandwich, just defrost as much meat as you need and cook it using your preferred method!

If you find that the chicken is drying too much while you’re cooking it, keep the marinade close by and use it to baste the meat periodically.

Other recipes you may enjoy with these sandwiches

For more Pakistani recipes like this, check out 20 popular Pakistani recipes. If you decide to try this recipe, Please don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture then tag me on Instagram! Thank You!