BBQ Chicken Tikka with Garlic Olive Oil

July 18, 2026

Smoky, juicy and loaded with warm spices, this BBQ Chicken Tikka with Garlic Olive Oil brings bold Indian-inspired flavor to your kitchen without requiring a traditional tandoor oven. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in creamy Greek yogurt, fragrant spices, fresh lemon juice and our Garlic Premium Olive Oil, then grilled or broiled until beautifully browned around the edges.

This is the kind of chicken recipe that looks and tastes impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. The yogurt gently tenderizes the chicken while the garlic olive oil carries all those flavorful spices into every bite. A little char around the edges gives the chicken its irresistible smoky, barbecue-style finish.

What Is Chicken Tikka?

Chicken tikka is traditionally made by marinating boneless pieces of chicken in yogurt, citrus and aromatic spices before cooking them at high heat. The result is tender, deeply seasoned chicken with lightly charred edges and a wonderfully smoky flavor.

Our version is designed for the home cook and can be prepared on an outdoor grill, under the oven broiler or in a grill pan. It delivers plenty of bold flavor without requiring complicated ingredients or special equipment.

Why Garlic Olive Oil Makes This Marinade Better

Our Garlic Premium Olive Oil brings smooth, savory garlic flavor to the marinade without the risk of fresh minced garlic burning during high-heat cooking. It also helps the spices coat the chicken evenly and encourages those beautifully caramelized edges that make BBQ chicken tikka so delicious.

The combination of garlic olive oil, Greek yogurt and lemon creates a marinade that is creamy, tangy and full of flavor. Paprika adds warmth and color, cumin brings earthiness, and garam masala gives the chicken its signature fragrant finish.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken Tikka

Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain especially juicy during high-heat cooking, although chicken breast can also be used.
Give the marinade time: Marinate the chicken for at least two hours, or refrigerate it overnight for even deeper flavor.
Remove excess marinade: Let the extra marinade drip away before cooking so the chicken browns rather than steams.
Cook over high heat: A hot grill or broiler creates the smoky, lightly charred exterior that makes chicken tikka irresistible.
Do not crowd the pan: Leave a little room between the chicken pieces so hot air can circulate around them.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tikka

Serve this flavorful grilled chicken with warm naan, basmati rice, a crisp cucumber salad or roasted vegetables. It is also delicious tucked into flatbread with lettuce, tomato, red onion and a spoonful of cool yogurt sauce.

For a casual summer dinner, arrange the chicken on a large platter with lemon wedges, chopped cilantro and grilled vegetables. Guests can build their own wraps or enjoy the chicken straight from the platter.

Can Chicken Tikka Be Made Ahead?

Absolutely. The chicken can be placed in the marinade the evening before you plan to cook it. When dinnertime arrives, simply thread the pieces onto skewers or spread them on a prepared baking sheet and cook.

Leftover chicken tikka is wonderful in salads, grain bowls, wraps and quick lunches. Store cooked chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before serving.

Bring Bold Flavor to Your Next Cookout

This easy BBQ Chicken Tikka recipe is a delicious alternative to traditional barbecue chicken. It is smoky, savory, lightly tangy and filled with warming spices. Best of all, our Garlic Premium Olive Oil makes it easy to add rich garlic flavor to every tender bite.

Fire up the grill, warm the naan and get ready for a chicken dinner that is anything but ordinary.

BBQ Chicken Tikka with Garlic Olive Oil

Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, aromatic spices and Garlic Premium Olive Oil, then grilled or broiled until juicy inside with smoky, caramelized edges.

Author: The Little Shop of Olive Oils
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Courses
Cuisine: Indian Inspired

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into approximately 1½-inch pieces
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons Garlic Premium Olive Oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons smoked or sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Premium Olive Oil, for brushing the grill or pan
Chopped fresh cilantro
Lemon wedges
Warm naan or basmati rice
Thinly sliced red onion, optional
Cucumber yogurt sauce, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Garlic Premium Olive Oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator approximately 20 minutes before cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece.
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates with Garlic Premium Olive Oil. Grill the chicken for approximately 10 to 14 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned around the edges and cooked through.
Position an oven rack approximately 6 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler to high. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a foil-lined, lightly oiled baking sheet or broiler pan. Broil for 6 to 8 minutes, turn the pieces and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Cook until the thickest pieces of chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges, naan, rice and your favorite cooling yogurt sauce.