Savor the irresistible flavors of 'Heart-Healthy Chicken Tikka,' a guilt-free twist on the classic Indian favorite that's perfect for maintaining a balanced diet. This recipe features lean chicken breast marinated in a vibrant blend of low-fat yogurt, aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin, zesty lemon juice, and fresh ginger. Baked to perfection with a touch of olive oil, the chicken emerges juicy, tender, and lightly charred for a restaurant-worthy finish. Ready in under an hour, this heart-healthy dish pairs beautifully with whole-grain naan or brown rice and a crisp salad, making it an ideal choice for fitness-focused foodies or anyone seeking flavorful, nutritious meals. Packed with protein, fiber, and Ayurvedic spices, this recipe is not only delicious but also kind to your heart.
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine the low-fat yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet with olive oil.
Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there's space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. You can also broil for the last 2-3 minutes if you desire a more charred effect.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Garnish the chicken tikka with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with a side of whole-grain naan or brown rice and a fresh salad for a complete, heart-healthy meal.
Calories |
999 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 439 mg | 146% | |
| Sodium | 2947 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.1 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.9 g | ||
| Protein | 150.1 g | 300% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 414 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2074 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.