Dinner

Chicken Tikka Burgers Recipe

ByEthan Lark November 10, 2025November 10, 2025

Introduction

These chicken tikka burgers offer a delicious fusion of traditional Indian flavors with the convenience of a classic burger. Marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with a tangy chutney make for a fresh, flavorful meal perfect for any BBQ or casual dinner.

The image shows three grilled chicken sandwiches placed on a wooden board. Each sandwich has a base layer of white ciabatta bread, a layer of green lettuce, thin slices of cucumber, red onion rings, and a grilled chicken breast with visible char marks on top. The sandwiches are open-faced, with the top piece of bread either on the side or partly covering the filling. Next to the sandwiches, there is a white bowl filled with fresh green salad and a white mug containing a chunky reddish-brown sauce, likely salsa or chili. Lemon wedges are scattered around the board. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 small chicken breasts
6 burger buns (ciabatta recommended)
2 tbsp tomato purée
200g Greek yogurt
Thumb-sized piece of ginger, very finely grated
4 garlic cloves, very finely grated or crushed
2 tbsp garam masala
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cayenne pepper
Juice of 1 lemon, plus wedges to serve
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1 green chilli, chopped
1 tsp tamarind pulp
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
½ cucumber, sliced
1 Little Gem lettuce, shredded
Small bunch of mint leaves, picked
1 small red onion, halved and finely sliced

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the tomato purée, Greek yogurt, grated ginger, garlic, garam masala, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
Step 2: Open out each chicken breast and flatten slightly for even cooking. Place the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Leave to marinate for at least 2 to 3 hours in the fridge.
Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the chutney by mixing chopped tomatoes, chopped red onion, green chilli, tamarind pulp, and tomato ketchup in a bowl. Set aside in the fridge; it can keep overnight.
Step 4: Heat a BBQ grill until the coals are ashen or preheat a grill pan on medium-high. Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 5: Toss together the sliced cucumber, shredded lettuce, mint leaves, and finely sliced red onion to make the salad.
Step 6: Assemble the burgers by placing the grilled chicken breasts in the buns, topping with the salad and spoonfuls of the prepared chutney. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, cook the chicken over charcoal on a BBQ grill.
Use naan or brioche buns as an alternative to ciabatta for different texture and taste.
Add sliced avocado or a dollop of mango chutney for a fruity twist.
Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled chicken and chutney separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a microwave or on a low grill before assembling. Avoid storing assembled burgers, as buns can become soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows three grilled chicken sandwiches on a wooden board placed over a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three visible layers: the bottom layer is the white sandwich bread bun, followed by a layer of green lettuce and thin slices of cucumber; the next layer is the grilled chicken breast with dark grill marks, topped with red salsa and thin slices of purple onion. To the side, there is a white bowl filled with mixed green lettuce and cucumber slices, and a white cup with dark red salsa containing visible diced tomatoes and herbs. Lemon wedges are scattered around on the board. A woman's hand is holding one sandwich at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat even more, making the burgers extra tasty.

Is it possible to cook these burgers indoors?

Absolutely. You can use a grill pan or a broiler under your oven’s grill setting. Just be sure to watch the chicken closely to avoid burning and ensure it is cooked through.