Blog Layout

Chicken Tikka vs Chicken Tandoori: What Are Their Differences?

SUHEL AHMED • May 20, 2021
Indian cuisine transformed into an international phenomenon. Its dishes boast rich flavours and lovely aromas that make every Indian restaurant feel like home. The cuisine is quite versatile, making the meals unique and special. Aside from the wonderful combination of delicate spices, they are typically made of the freshest ingredients that are filled with nutrients.

If you love Indian food, you may already be familiar with chicken tikka and chicken tandoori. They are popular tender chicken dishes cooked in tandoor, which are special ovens made of clay. Because of their similarities, even some food connoisseurs consider them to be the same. But the truth is there is a world of differences between them. Find out more about it by reading the information below.

The History and Origin

The vast difference between these culinary delights is in their creation dates. Chicken tandoori dates back to 3,000 BCE in Harappa, Punjab. Meanwhile, chicken tikka originated in the 1970s in a Scottish curry house. It became popular in India during the era of royal Nawabs. However, these grilled appetisers share ingredients that resemble one another.

The Ingredients and Cooking Procedures 

Chicken tikka is prepared with salt, plain yoghurt, lemon juice, and garlic cloves. It uses skinless and boneless chicken chunks taken from the breast part. These chicken chunks are smeared in yoghurt, spices, and lemon juice and then placed on skewers for grilling for about 25 minutes or until tender.

For chicken tandoori, the main ingredients are Greek yoghurt, red chilli powder, pepper powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. It can be made with both half and full chicken using mostly breasts, legs, and wings. Unlike chicken tikka, this delicacy is not boneless.

To cook chicken tandoori, coat its chicken slices with spices and marinated in a mixture of red chilli paste, ginger garlic paste, oil, curd, lemon juice, tandoori masala, chaat masala, and salt. Put them on a tandoor or griller and heat at 250-300 degrees Celcius for 40 minutes to make them tender. The high heat of a tandoor oven will give this chicken dish its signature flavour.

The Nutritional Value

The ingredients, portions, and cooking methods of these chicken dishes influence their nutritional value. Chicken tikka is packed with protein, fibre, fat, and carbohydrates. It contains 0.7 grams of fibre, 4.2 grams of protein, and 5 grams of net carbs. 

On the other hand, Chicken tandoori is enriched with protein, fibre, and carbohydrates. It has 8.7 grams of net carbs, 1.8 grams of fibre, and 17.5 grams of protein. While both meals are nutritious, opt for chicken tandoori if you want a healthier meal.

Conclusion

Food enthusiasts, especially those new to Indian cuisine, might not immediately know the difference between chicken tikka and chicken tandoori when placed side-by-side. But through this guide, you can now figure out what makes each dish unique. So the next time you go out for dinner or order through pickup or delivery, you can have an easier time deciding which dish to try. 

Whether you are craving chicken tandoori or chicken tikka, you are sure to enjoy the best Indian food in London when you order takeaway at Tower Tandoori. Our Indian restaurant near Tower Hill is one oldest in the city that serves authentic delicacies you will definitely love. Order online now!

food
by SUHEL AHMED 12 May, 2024
Combining wine with the complex and exhilarating flavours of Indian cuisine can appear both challenging and exciting. Read on to know more!
indian food
by SUHEL AHMED 05 May, 2024
India's rich and diverse cuisine is renowned for its abundant use of colourful, aromatic spices and exquisite blend of flavours that tantalise the senses.
food
by SUHEL AHMED 28 Apr, 2024
Our customised lunch menu exemplifies our passion for authenticity, quality, and culinary innovation. Continue reading this article to learn more!
curry
by SUHEL AHMED 21 Apr, 2024
Join us on this delectable journey and prepare to be enthralled by the profound complexity and charm of Indian curries. Read on to know more!
naan
by SUHEL AHMED 15 Apr, 2024
Discover the magic of Tower Tandoori's Sunday banquet, where a spread of traditional and contemporary dishes evoke the vibrancy of India's diverse cuisine.
Indian Cuisine
by SUHEL AHMED 08 Apr, 2024
Elevate your corporate events with Tower Tandoori's bespoke solution for business dining. Impress your guests with our exquisite selection of Indian culinary delights.
food
by SUHEL AHMED 01 Apr, 2024
In this article, we will highlight seven must-try plant-based dishes that have earned their place among Tower Tandoori's most loved offerings. Read on!
food
by SUHEL AHMED 24 Mar, 2024
Aromatic, colourful, and utterly delicious, Indian cuisine has long captivated diners with its lively combination of spices and flavours. Read more!
food
by SUHEL AHMED 15 Mar, 2024
In the high-stakes world of business, hosting successful events that marry professionalism with an exceptional dining experience is paramount.
Indian food
by SUHEL AHMED 12 Mar, 2024
Our lunch menu boasts an array of mouth-watering Indian dishes that strike a delicate balance between traditional offerings and contemporary creations. Read on!
More posts
Share by: