Rainy Days and Spicy Delights: The Undeniable Magic of Chicken Tikka in the UK

Let's be honest. When it comes to rainy days in the UK, there is almost something poetic about it. Be it the rhythmic drizzle against the window panels, or the endless stretch of the grey sky, everything seems to be in sync. If there is one thing that the entire UK population loves too much during this weather, it has to be the very popular chicken tikka. Although the dish originated from India, it is much loved in this part of the world. 

Not only the starter tikka, but the chicken tikka masala is also equally loved. The aromatic fragrance, the amalgamation of tons of delicious spices and to add to that, the perfect creamy texture is something that adds to the fun of your rainy season. The dish has cemented a kind of a lover among the population and it has slowly become one of the most ordered dishes as well. 

UK’s Love Story With Chicken Tikka

So how did a dish that originated in the land of India travel to the UK and become a classic favorite, particularly for rainy days? The UK's relationship with India is quite old, originating from the colonial days. This was the time when the British were introduced to the rich Indian flavors - among them Chicken Tikka was quite a well-known one. 

The best part about Chicken Tikka as a dish is that it quickly extended itself to the British audience and became something that the population was fascinated with - a rich and flavorful curry. To add to that, chicken tikka is also known for its simplicity in the cooking process. All you need to do is get yourself some good spices, marinate the chicken, and then grill it. For the British population who often look for food options that are healthy and yet bland, the tikka is a very good option. Be it dry or even with salads and chutney, the chicken tikka is an option that goes perfectly for rainy evenings. 

To add to that, the UK experimented in its way and introduced a rich creamy flavored gravy that could be best enjoyed with the much loved Naan bread. The combination of the spices and the texture is something with which the entire British population fell in love with. 

Traveling to the Origins of Chicken Tikka

For those who do not know, there is quite a bit of debate about how Chicken tikka is not an Indian dish - the birthplace is the UK. How? According to a few food historians, it is said that chicken tikka as a dish was born in none other than Glasgow, Scotland. The story travels that a chef had added a creamy gravy to the chicken tikka after a customer said that the dish was too dry. It wouldn't be wrong to say that the dish is said to be created almost as a mistake. 

Today, this awesome dish is deeply ingrained in British culture and most restaurants are said to have their takes on the dish. It is almost as if this loved dish has been labeled unofficially as the national dish of the UK. The appeal keeps on increasing and with time, it is gaining new momentum among the food lovers across the UK. 

How Do You Identify The Best Chicken Tikka?

When we talk about chicken tikka as a dish, there are too many options that one can choose from. Consequently, to make sure that the British population enjoys only a good tikka, there are some key elements that work as an indicator. Some of the most common factors that you need to factor in for a good tikka are:

Marinade

There are no brownie points for guessing the most important thing about a good chicken tikka is the marinade. It has to be spicy, but at the same time, you have to ensure that it is coating the chicken well. The marinade also cannot be very runny as then it will not stick to the body of the chicken. Some of the common spices that are important for the marinade are cumin, coriander, garam masala, and Kashmiri red chilli powder.

Cut of Chicken

To add to that, the cut of the chicken also plays a very important role in assessing if the tikka will be good or not. Usually, it is suggested that you use the thigh portion of the chicken, otherwise, the tikka will turn out to be dry. 

Cooking Methods

One of the most important things about chicken tikka as a dish is the way it is cooked. You have to make sure that it is charred perfectly, otherwise, the item will give off burnt flavors. While most of the kitchens do not have access to a traditional tandoor, the ovens could be a good option. 

Spice Balance

And finally, for the best chicken tikka masala, it is very important to make sure that you can balance the spices very well. If the level of spices tends to be more than the required level, or even less, it will not give out the classic tikka flavors. The same stands true for the gravy as well. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a tikka masala that is the perfect accompaniment for all your rainy days then being sure of all the primary indicators is very important. It ensures that you can get the authentic flavors that make chicken tikka such a loved option. One such tikka that has become quite popular across the UK is none other than Tikka Nation. You will be able to order the best chicken tikka with the help of a single tap. Not only the ordering process, but the item will also get delivered to you very easily and you get to enjoy the authentic Tikka flavors sitting in the UK. There is also an option to choose the catering services if you want to get Tikka for a party. Tikka Nation is undoubtedly one of the best options available at the moment and the prices are also extremely affordable.