Plato con brochetas de pollo tandoori, paneer tikka, chutneys, rodajas de limón y cilantro sobre fondo terracota.

Tandoori or Tikka? That Delicious Confusion We All Have

Discover the differences between tandoori and tikka, prepare irresistible recipes with our spice blends, and transform your kitchen into an authentic haven of Indian flavors with Desi Gourmet.

Esther Jemimah Ferrer

20 June 2025

Have you ever looked at an Indian restaurant menu and wondered whether to order chicken tikka or tandoori chicken ? Don't worry, you're not alone. But if I told you that with just a few ingredients you could make it yourself at home... would you be up for it?

Tandoori is more than just a flavor: it's an ancient Indian technique . The ingredients are cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor , giving them that smoky , juicy, and deep aroma that smells like a Delhi alley at dusk.

Tikka is a small portion (of chicken , paneer , vegetables ) marinated and cooked—yes, sometimes in the tandoor itself . The key difference: tikka is boneless and often has a creamier, spicier marinade .

Dishes with tandoori chicken and tikka, accompanied by chutney, onion and lemon on a warm background, Desi Gourmet style.

Express Guide to Homemade Tandoori Without a Tandoor

Don't have a clay oven ? No problem. With the right ingredients and a few tadpole tips , you can achieve spectacular results in your oven , grill , or air fryer.

Step 1: The Marinade, the Soul of Flavor

This is where it all begins. Tandoori marinade doesn't just add flavor: it tells a story.

You will need:

Ingredients for tandoori marinade: yogurt, spices, lemon, ginger, garlic, and a vegan option with chickpea flour.

Step 2: Your Heat Source, Your Flavor

Grill : Grill skewers over medium-high heat. Turn every 3–4 minutes until golden brown and juicy.
Oven : 200°C for 20 minutes. Finish with a 5-minute grill.
Air fryer : 190°C for 12 minutes. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Vegetarian? Use cauliflower, tofu, mushrooms, or even pineapple chunks. Surprise guaranteed!

Tandoori on the grill, in the oven, and in the air fryer, with cooking tips and vegetarian options like cauliflower and tofu.

Star Recipe: Butter Chicken Tikka

Ideal if you like the grilled flavor but can't resist a creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

  1. Marinate the chicken in everything except the tomato and butter. Grill, bake, or fry until golden brown.
  2. In another pan, melt butter, add the tomato and more masala.
  3. Add the chicken and finish with a touch of cream.

Accompany with Basmati rice or roti . Find all the ingredients in our curry collection.

Step-by-step recipe for Butter Chicken Tikka with ingredients, preparation, and suggested side dish with rice or roti.


Vegetarian Alternative: Tandoori Paneer Skewers

No meat? Paneer is your best friend.
Cut into thick cubes , alternate with bell pepper and red onion , and marinate the same as the chicken.

Street Trick : Use mustard oil . It will take you back to a late-night food stall in Delhi.


Presentation of Restaurant at Home

Make your plate look and taste like a restaurant :

  • Serve on a rustic board with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges.
  • Add mint chutney and pickled onion
  • A bowl of cold raita balances all the spice.

Did you make it? Tag @desigourmetmadrid on Instagram. We want to share your creation!


Build Your Complete Desi Grill Menu

Organize a themed dinner that will surprise:

Starter : Tandoori mushroom and pepper skewers
Main : Butter Chicken Tikka
Accompaniments : Basmati rice , roti , mango pickle
Dessert : Rice pudding or mango kulfi

Full desi menu: tandoori kebabs, butter chicken tikka, rice, roti, pickle, and a tropical mango dessert.


Ready to Grill Desi Style?

You don't have to travel to India to taste its recipes.

Discover our top picks:

Whether it's for yourself or a barbecue with friends, we've got you covered.


Join Our Desi Community

Would you like to receive more recipes like this?
Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to receive promotions, new products, and more inspiration for cooking with heart.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.