Hey there! You are about to make the crispiest, most flavorful chicken tikka bowls with a fresh, creamy mint sauce. This recipe is packed with juicy chicken, warm spices, and a deliciously refreshing sauce that brings it all together. And the best part? It’s super easy to make at home!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Skewers (if grilling)
- Baking sheet (if roasting)
- Non-stick pan (if pan-frying)
- Blender or food processor
- Serving bowls
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $15-$18, depending on ingredient prices in your area
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per serving: 450 kcal
- Cook Method: Grilling, Roasting, or Pan-Frying
- Season: All year round
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, HighProteinDiet
How to Make Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls with Mint Sauce
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicious dish and how to prepare it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Chicken Tikka:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
For the Mint Sauce:
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice or quinoa
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | Boneless chicken breasts or paneer (for vegetarian) |
| Greek yogurt | Regular plain yogurt or coconut yogurt (for dairy-free) |
| Lemon juice | Lime juice or white vinegar |
| Vegetable oil | Olive oil or avocado oil |
| Fresh mint | Dried mint (use 1 teaspoon) |
| Basmati rice | Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous |
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, oil, garlic paste, ginger paste, and all the spices. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Prepare the Mint Sauce: Blend yogurt, mint, cilantro, garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep it chilled until serving.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling: Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
- Roasting: Spread chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Pan-Frying: Heat oil in a pan and cook chicken on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until crispy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Top with crispy chicken tikka, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, shredded lettuce, and pomegranate seeds.
- Drizzle with Mint Sauce: Spoon the fresh mint sauce over everything and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, use a wire rack on your baking sheet so heat circulates evenly.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Make it spicier by adding extra red chili powder to the marinade.
- For meal prep, store the components separately and assemble fresh before eating.
- Don’t skip the marination—it helps tenderize the chicken and enhances the flavor.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Tikka Bowls
These bowls are already a complete meal, but you can pair them with:
- Garlic naan or pita bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Mango lassi or iced chai
- A side of hummus or tzatziki
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve these bowls in deep bowls with a spoon and fork. If you want to make it a wrap, stuff everything into a pita or tortilla and drizzle with mint sauce.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These bowls are great for quick lunches, meal prep, or casual dinners. They also work well for gatherings because everyone can customize their bowl. If you’re hosting a party, set up a DIY bowl station so guests can build their own.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving immediately, keep the cooked chicken warm under foil for up to 1 hour.
- Do not leave the mint sauce at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan or oven before serving.
- The mint sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using.
- Store the veggies separately to keep them fresh.
Freezing
- Cooked chicken tikka can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Do not freeze the mint sauce as it will separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breast, reduce cooking time to prevent dryness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s great for kids! If they don’t like spice, reduce or omit the chili powder.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the yogurt with coconut yogurt and use dairy-free alternatives for the sauce.
How do I make this vegetarian?
You can use paneer, tofu, or mushrooms instead of chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
For best results, reheat in a pan over medium heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken rubbery.
Meta Description
Make crispy chicken tikka bowls with mint sauce at home! Juicy spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy mint sauce make this an easy, delicious meal.