Our Spicy Chicken Tikka Sandwich is a flavorful recipe full of tastes that will take your taste buds on an exciting journey, so be ready for an explosion of flavour! This sandwich, which is stuffed with the ideal amount of spices, is a work of art rather than just a meal. Let’s dive into the scrumptious details!
Where is Chicken Tikka from?
Chicken tikka is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the Punjab region. The dish is a well-liked part of Pakistani and Indian culinary traditions, with roots in Indian cuisine.
“Chicken tikka” usually refers to marinating small pieces of chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices. The name “tikka” refers to small portions or chunks. After marinating, the chicken is skewered and cooked to perfection over a grill, roast, or bake. This cooking technique gives the chicken a deliciously soft and smokey flavour.
With many modifications and adjustments to suit various culinary tastes, chicken tikka has gained popularity both in South Asian cuisine and elsewhere. It’s frequently served as an appetiser on its own or combined with other dishes, including the famous Chicken Tikka Masala.
Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Sandwich:
For the Chicken Tikka:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust for your spice preference)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Spicy Yogurt Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice level)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwich:
Ciabatta rolls or your favourite bread
Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomatoes
Red onion rings
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Recipe for Chicken Tikka Sandwich:
Marinate the Chicken:
Wash your chicken breasts and poke holes in it with a fork. Step into the marination by combining yogurt, vegetable oil, chilli powder, cumin powder, ginger-garlic paste, and tikka masala spice combination in a bowl. Make sure every piece of chicken is fully coated, then let this flavour-filled feast marinade in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or overnight for a taste explosion!
Grill or Bake the Chicken:
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) or light the grill. After the chicken has been marinated, skewer it and bake or grill it for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch the chicken as it changes its color and turns into juicy, perfectly char-kissed meat.
Prepare the Spicy Yogurt Sauce:
Make the spicy yogurt sauce while the chicken is cooking. Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the spice amount to your personal preference by tasting.
Put the Sandwich Together:
The big reveal is almost here! Toast your bread or ciabatta rolls till golden brown. Drizzle each half with a thick layer of the spicy yogurt sauce. Next, arrange a bed of crisp lettuce in the lower part of the dish and top it with the highlight—the pieces of grilled chicken. Add some sliced tomatoes, red onion rings, and fresh cilantro as garnish.
Seal the Flavour Deal:
Gently bring the two halves of the ciabatta bread together, feeling a sense of cooking accomplishment. Your Spicy Chicken Tikka Sandwich is now ready to please your palette – just gently press down the two breads together and toast them for crunchy bites.
Saucy Pro Tip to Spice Up Your Chicken Tikka Sandwich:
For a Chicken Tikka Sandwich that truly dances on your taste buds, a spicy and creamy Mint-Cilantro Chutney will change the game. This vibrant sauce adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your culinary adventure.
To whip up this flavorful sauce, blend together a cup each of fresh mint leaves and cilantro (coriander) leaves, one to two green chilies (adjust according to your spice preference), a tablespoon each of chopped ginger and garlic, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt to taste. For a creamy twist, you can include one to two tablespoons of plain yogurt (optional).
Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, vibrant paste, adjusting the consistency with water if needed. Season to taste, and voila! This Mint-Cilantro Chutney is the perfect partner to your spicy Chicken Tikka Sandwich, delivering fresh, herby, and spicy notes with every mouthwatering bite. Your taste buds are in for a delightful experience!
Optional Add Ons with Chicken Tikka Sandwich:
If you want to make your sandwich fancy, add cheese. Adding cheese to your Spicy Chicken Tikka Sandwich can take it to a whole new level. The creamy and melty texture of cheese pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the chicken tikka and the freshness of the mint-cilantro chutney. Here’s a suggestion for incorporating cheese into your sandwich:
Ingredients:
Grated cheese of your choice (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Additional fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Assemble the Sandwich:
After spreading the spicy yogurt sauce on the ciabatta rolls, layer the grilled chicken tikka pieces on the bottom half.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheese over the chicken tikka. The heat from the grilled chicken will help melt the cheese, creating a luscious and gooey texture.
Top with Fresh Ingredients:
Continue with the usual toppings – sliced tomatoes, red onion rings, and fresh cilantro.
Complete the Sandwich:
Place the other half of the ciabatta roll on top, press gently, and your Cheesy Chicken Tikka Sandwich is ready to go!
Optional Toasting:
For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the sandwich in a pan or a sandwich press to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and ensure that the cheese is perfectly melted.
The addition of cheese introduces a rich and savoury element to the sandwich, enhancing its overall appeal. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to find your perfect cheesy combination. Enjoy the blend of flavours in every bite!
Enjoy Your Spicy Chicken Tikka Sandwich:
Now, savour every bite of this flavour-packed extravaganza, where spice and deliciousness collide. This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Get ready to be the hero of your next mealtime saga! Enjoy this fiesta of flavours!
