Vegetarian Tikka Chicken

Experience the irresistible flavors of Indian cuisine with Vegetarian Tikka Chicken, a plant-based twist on the classic tikka recipe that’s perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike. Made with extra-firm tofu or paneer marinated in a vibrant mix of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and iconic Indian spices like turmeric, garam masala, and paprika, this dish is bursting with aromatic goodness. Skewered alongside colorful bell peppers and onions, then grilled or baked to perfection, every bite delivers a smoky, charred sweetness that pairs beautifully with naan, rice, or mint chutney. Ready in under an hour, this high-protein, healthy recipe is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or as an impressive appetizer for gatherings. Sprinkle with chaat masala and a garnish of fresh cilantro for a restaurant-quality finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Extra-firm tofu or paneer
• 120 ml Yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt for vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Paprika powder (or Kashmiri red chili powder for mild heat)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Cooking oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
• 2 Bell peppers (colorful mix: red, yellow, green), diced into large chunks
• 1 Red onion, diced into large chunks
• 8 Wooden or metal skewers (optional, for grilling or broiling)
• 0.5 teaspoon Chaat masala (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water (skip this step if using paneer). Cut the tofu or paneer into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix well into a thick marinade.

Step 3

Add the tofu or paneer cubes to the marinade and gently coat them completely. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavors).

Step 4

While the tofu or paneer is marinating, chop the bell peppers and red onion into large, even-sized chunks.

Step 5

Thread the marinated tofu or paneer, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation (optional if not grilling).

Step 6

Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or oven to broil. Brush the skewers or paneer mixture with cooking oil for a golden finish.

Step 7

Cook the skewers on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently, until the tofu/paneer is lightly charred and the vegetables are tender. Alternatively, bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 8

Transfer the tikka skewers or mixture to a serving plate. Sprinkle with chaat masala and garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor (optional).

Step 9

Serve hot with mint chutney, naan, or rice, and enjoy your delicious vegetarian tikka chicken!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1714.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1073.5

Total Fat 65.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 8.0mg	0%
Sodium 2579.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 54.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 24.6g
Protein 73.0g	0%

Vitamin D 64.0IU	0%
Calcium 3000.7mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 2021.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.7%

Protein: 26.6%

Carbs: 19.7%