Go Back

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka with Spiced Rice

A delightful recipe combining tender, juicy chicken marinated in creamy yogurt and fragrant spices, served with aromatic rice and fresh toppings—a perfect blend of flavors for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 400 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Provides juicy, tender bites.
  • 2 tbsp Greek Yogurt Adds richness and helps to tenderize the chicken.
  • 3 tbsp Tikka Masala Paste Aromatic blend of spices.
  • 2 Lemons Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness.
  • Salt and Black Pepper Essential seasonings for flavor.
For the Rice and Toppings
  • 250 g Microwave Rice Convenient and fluffy rice.
  • 2 Red Onions Adds depth and texture.
  • 275 g Vine Tomatoes Enhances freshness.
  • 1 Green Chilli Optional for heat.
  • 2 tsp Nigella Seeds Adds a unique nutty flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Enhances cooking and richness.
  • 0.25 Cucumber Provides a fresh crunch.
  • 150 g Greek Yogurt For raita, providing a cooling contrast.
  • 15 Fresh Mint Leaves Elevates the dish's aroma.
  • 10 Fresh Mint Leaves For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Finely slice the red onions. Place half of them into a bowl, add the juice of ¼ of a lemon, and season with salt. Allow this mixture to quickly pickle while you prep the rest of the dish.
  2. Slice the chicken thighs into three pieces each. In a bowl, combine the chicken with the juice of ½ a lemon, Greek yogurt, and tikka masala paste. Season with salt and black pepper, mix well, and cover. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and finely dice it. Finely chop the mint leaves. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the juice of the remaining lemon, fold in the cucumber and mint, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cooking
  1. Add the remaining red onions to the air fryer, drizzle with olive oil, and place the marinated chicken pieces on top. Drizzle with additional oil and cook at 200°C (392°F) for 14-16 minutes.
  2. Finely slice the green chili and cut the vine tomatoes into wedges. Combine tomatoes with nigella seeds and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Prepare microwave rice according to package instructions.
Assembly
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, toss the onions with the cooked rice and season if needed. Divide into plates, add seasoned tomatoes, top with tikka chicken, and finish with pickled onions. Garnish with green chili, lemon wedges, and extra mint.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. You can grill or bake the chicken if you don’t have an air fryer. Adjust spice levels to your preference. Leftovers can be used in wraps or salads.