Healthy Chicken Tikkas

I usually make chicken tikkas out of thighs. I love the tender pieces of thighs and they are very forgiving- with the cooking time that it.

I decided to use chicken breast and marinated the pieces in an aromatic mix. I simply blended ginger, garlic, cilantro and dried mint.  I mixed it with a bit of non-fat Greek yogurt.

I think the trick is to marinate the pieces for a few hours if not over night. The flavor will get stronger and that is what you need when you are trying to cook with less fat and use meats that are very low in fat.

Instead of cooking the pieces in the oven, I decided to use my non-stick frying pan. Cooking it on the stove top gave a bit more control over the cooking time. I kept checking on the chicken to make sure it doesn’t over dry- that is the worst thing- you don’t want chicken breast tasting like cardboard.

Enjoy this dish but make sure to watch the chicken- closely… enjoy!

• 1½ pounds chicken breast, skinless

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup cilantro
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 3 teaspoons oil

Process ginger, garlic and cilantro till smooth. Add the mixture in a small bowl. Add the yogurt, lemon juice, salt and dried mint. Spread the mixture all over the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 4 to 5 hours or over night.

Drizzle 2 teaspoons oil into a non-stick pan. Heat on medium and add the chicken pieces. Lower and cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on the thickness of the pieces). Turn the pieces and drizzle the remaining one teaspoon oil and cook till done. Serve hot.