Chicken Tikka (Without the Masala)

Yogurt-marinated grilled chicken — the healthier backbone of tikka masala.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• Marinade: 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Cucumber raita to serve

Directions

1. Combine all marinade ingredients and mix with chicken. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Thread onto skewers if grilling.

1. Grill or broil at high heat 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F).
2. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with cucumber raita, salad, or cauliflower rice.
3. For raita: mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cucumber grated and squeezed, 1 clove garlic, 1 tbsp mint, salt.

Notes

The longer the marinade time, the more tender and flavorful. Overnight is ideal. The yogurt tenderizes the protein.