Go Back
easy hot honey chicken tikka served in a white ceramic bowl, featuring glossy orange-red glazed chicken pieces on bamboo skewers, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green coriander, surrounded by a pool of shiny hot honey sauce
Print

Easy Hot Honey Chicken Tikka Recipe | Sweet, Spicy & Juicy Grilled Chicken

Easy Hot Honey Chicken Tikka is a delicious fusion recipe that combines the smoky flavours of traditional Indian chicken tikka with the irresistible sweet-and-spicy kick of hot honey. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in creamy yoghurt, aromatic Indian spices, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice, then grilled or baked until beautifully charred and juicy.
The finishing touch is a glossy hot honey glaze made with pure honey and red chilli flakes, creating the perfect balance of sweetness, gentle heat, and smoky flavour. Every bite is succulent, lightly caramelised, and packed with bold taste.
Whether you're serving it as an appetiser, party snack, barbecue favourite, or satisfying main course, this Easy Hot Honey Chicken Tikka Recipe is simple to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Starter
Cuisine Indian Fusion, Indo-Western
Keyword Chicken tikka recipe, Chicken Tikka Skewers, Easy Chicken Tikka Recipe, Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe I, Easy Hot Honey Chicken Tikka, Easy Hot Honey Chicken Tikka Recipe, Grilled Chicken Tikka, Hot Honey Chicken Recipe, Hot Honey Chicken Tikka, Hot Honey Grilled Chicken, Indian Fusion Chicken Recipe, Spicy Honey Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marination Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 279kcal
Author Madhu Savara

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl for marinationSkewers (metal or bamboo, soaked if wooden)Grill pan or oven with grill functionBasting brushTongs for flippingSmall saucepan for preparing hot honey 

Ingredients

  • For the Marinade:
  • 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 200 g plain yoghurt curd
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 100 ml honey
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes adjust for spice level
  • 1 tablespoon butter optional for extra gloss

Instructions

  • For the Marinade:
  • 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 200g plain yoghurt (curd)
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 100ml honey
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra gloss)

Notes

Madhu Savara's Tips

A few simple touches can make your Hot Honey Chicken Tikka even more flavourful and memorable.
  • Choose boneless chicken thighs if you prefer extra juicy and tender tikka. While chicken breast works well, thighs remain moist even after grilling.
  • Allow enough marination time. Although 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the chicken for 2–4 hours develops richer flavour and a more succulent texture.
  • Add a hint of smoky flavour by mixing a pinch of smoked paprika into the marinade or cooking the tikka over charcoal or a barbecue.
  • Balance the flavours. The beauty of this recipe lies in the harmony between sweet honey and spicy chilli. Adjust the hot honey glaze to suit your preferred level of heat.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. Remove it as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to keep every bite tender and juicy.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute, giving you perfectly moist tikka.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Hot Honey Chicken Tikka Recipe is how easily it can be adapted for different tastes and occasions.
    • Paneer or Tofu Hot Honey Tikka: Replace the chicken with paneer cubes or extra-firm tofu for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
    • Milder Version: Prefer less heat? Simply reduce the red chilli flakes in the hot honey glaze while keeping the natural sweetness intact.
    • Kebab-Style Skewers: Thread colourful bell peppers, onions and cherry tomatoes between the chicken pieces for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
    • Flavoured Honey: Experiment with garlic-infused, chilli-infused or herb-infused honey to add another layer of flavour to the glaze.
    • Air Fryer Method: Cook the marinated chicken at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through cooking. Brush with the hot honey glaze during the final few minutes for a beautifully caramelised finish.
    • Creative Serving Ideas: Enjoy the tikka as a party appetiser, tuck it into soft wraps, build delicious sliders, serve it over fragrant rice bowls, or add it to fresh salads for a wholesome meal.