If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that’s full of flavor yet not too heavy on the spices, then this is perfect for you. This Hariyali chicken tikka pairs beautifully with tamarind dipping sauce, kachumber salad, goat cheese pizza with peaches, and corn on the cob. It can also be used to make a Thai chicken salad with mango.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Easy recipe - From the list of ingredients to the marinade prep and the actual cooking, you won’t find an easier Pakistani recipe than this. Unusual flavor- All the fresh herbs and natural ingredients used in the marinade give this Hariyali chicken tikka a very unusual but delightful taste. Healthy meal-prep option - This is a great recipe to have on hand if you’re watching those calories and want to meal-prep. Lean chicken breast is marinated with fresh and healthy ingredients and then grilled. Eat the Hariyali Chicken on its own, pair it with a side salad, or make a lettuce wrap out of it. The options are limitless.
The ingredients
Chicken - I like to use chicken tenderloins for most of my boneless chicken recipes. Tenderloins are lean and juicy, making them the perfect choice. The tenderloin is the most tender meat on the bird according to usda.gov. Yogurt - I like to use full-fat plain yogurt for a creamy texture in all my recipes, like this chicken malai tikka. Vinegar - White distilled vinegar helps tenderize the meat and adds a nice tang to this recipe, just like it does to my chicken shashlik. Spices - Smoky cumin, salt, and sour amchur powder are the only spices in this recipe. Serrano peppers - I like to use Serrano peppers as they add a little kick to the recipe. However, if you want your Hariyali Chicken Tikka on the mild side, go with 3 jalapenos instead.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Substitutions & variations
Make this a curry - This recipe can easily be turned into a delicious curry that you can enjoy with plain basmati rice. Brown some onions to a medium golden brown and then add the marinated chicken and saute for 3-5 minutes. Add in the marinade and simmer till the chicken is cooked through. Add some cream for a different texture - If you want a slightly creamier curry or a more velvety texture to your grilled chicken just add ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream to the marinade. Try a different cooking method - Not in the mood to grill? Try an Air Fryer or the Stove Top. For the air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then cook the chicken in it for 15 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through the cooking process. For the Stove Top, preheat a grill pan with a drizzle of some olive oil for a few minutes. Place the chicken skewers on the pan and cook for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to turning the skewers halfway through the cooking process to get an even char on both sides.
Step-by-step instructions
Expert Tips
Use the right cut of meat - I prefer to use chicken tenderloins for my tikkas, but if you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs are a good alternative. Chicken breast results in very dry Hariyali chicken tikka. Bring the meat to room temperature before grilling - This will ensure that the meat gets cooked properly. If the meat is cold when put on the grill there’s a risk of the outside getting overcooked, or the center being slightly uncooked. Make sure to cook your chicken to the right temperature - I would highly recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure perfect results. The chicken has to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and I use my personal favorite thermometer, Thermapen ONE to ensure perfect results. Remember to soak your skewers - If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for a minimum of 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, to prevent them from burning.
Other recipes you may like
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!
