
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.
20 June 2025
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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 .

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:
- Thick natural yogurt
- Juice of half a lemon
- Grated garlic and ginger
- Tandoori Masala
- Salt and a dash of mustard or olive oil
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!
Star Recipe: Butter Chicken Tikka
Ideal if you like the grilled flavor but can't resist a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 500 g of diced chicken breast
- 3 tbsp of Butter Chicken Masala
- ½ cup of yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp grated garlic and ginger
-
Crushed tomatoes, butter and cooking cream
Preparation:
- Marinate the chicken in everything except the tomato and butter. Grill, bake, or fry until golden brown.
- In another pan, melt butter, add the tomato and more masala.
-
Add the chicken and finish with a touch of cream.
Accompany with Basmati rice or roti . Find all the ingredients in our curry collection.
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
Ready to Grill Desi Style?
You don't have to travel to India to taste its recipes.
Discover our top picks:
- Tandoori Mixes
- Masala Butter Chicken
-
Curry Night Essentials
Whether it's for yourself or a barbecue with friends, we've got you covered.
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