Savor the bold flavors of Shandhar Hut’s Chicken Tikka, a vibrant dish that captures the essence of North Indian street food with a touch of restaurant refinement. Our skilled chefs have honed this classic recipe to perfection, bringing you an authentic taste of India’s beloved cuisine here in Chilliwack. Succulent pieces of chicken are marinated in a zesty blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, then expertly grilled in our tandoor to achieve a smoky char and tender, juicy interior that’s simply irresistible. The result is a dish bursting with flavor, showcasing the perfect balance of tanginess from the yogurt, warmth from the spices, and a subtle smokiness from the tandoor. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or new to Indian cuisine, our Chicken Tikka is sure to captivate your taste buds. It’s excellent as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a shared meal, pairing wonderfully with our mint chutney or wrapped in a soft roomali roti. Ideal for a casual dinner with friends or as a flavorful addition to any celebration, Shandhar Hut’s Chicken Tikka offers a tantalizing explosion of flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Delhi with each exciting bite.

Chicken Tikka has its roots in the tandoori cooking style, which originated in the Punjab region, spanning modern-day Eastern Pakistan and Northern India. The word “tikka” means “bits” or “pieces” in Hindi and Urdu, referring to the small, boneless pieces of meat used in the dish.

The use of a tandoor (clay oven) for cooking meat dates back thousands of years, with evidence of tandoor-like ovens found in the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE). However, the specific preparation of Chicken Tikka as we know it today likely evolved in the 20th century.

The popularization of Chicken Tikka is often attributed to Kundan Lal Gujral, the same restaurateur credited with inventing Tandoori Chicken and Butter Chicken. In the 1940s, following the partition of India, Gujral moved from Peshawar to Delhi, where he opened the famous Moti Mahal restaurant.

Chicken Tikka gained widespread popularity in India during the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the rise of tandoori cuisine in post-independence India. Its popularity soon spread beyond the subcontinent, particularly to the United Kingdom, where it became a staple of British Indian cuisine.

In the UK, a variation called “Chicken Tikka Masala” was created, which involves serving the grilled Chicken Tikka pieces in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish has become so popular that it’s often referred to as Britain’s national dish.

Today, Chicken Tikka is enjoyed worldwide, with each region adding its own twist to the basic recipe. At Shandhar Hut, we strive to offer an authentic taste of this beloved dish, honoring its Punjabi roots while catering to contemporary palates.

It is our mission to become Chilliwack’s best restaurant for authentic Indian cuisine, and we believe the secret to our exceptional Chicken Tikka lies in our commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. We start with premium, locally-sourced chicken, carefully selected for its tenderness and flavor. The foundation of our marinade is thick, tangy yogurt, which not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a subtle sourness that balances the spices perfectly. Our signature spice blend is a carefully guarded recipe, featuring the vibrant warmth of Kashmiri red chili powder, the earthy depth of turmeric, and the complex notes of garam masala. Fresh ginger and garlic paste add a potent aroma and flavor, while a squeeze of lemon juice brings a bright acidity to the mix. We also incorporate ajwain seeds for their unique, thyme-like flavor and digestion-aiding properties. The marinade is generously applied and left to work its magic for a full 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. Just before cooking, we brush the chicken with a mixture of mustard oil and butter, which helps create those irresistible char marks and adds a rich, nutty flavor. The chicken is then cooked in our traditional tandoor, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor that can’t be replicated by other cooking methods. The result is a dish that’s succulent, deeply flavorful, and beautifully charred – a true representation of the best in North Indian cuisine and a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence here at Shandhar Hut.

Embark on a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of India at Shandhar Hut. Our menu showcases a rich tapestry of traditional and contemporary dishes, from sizzling tandoor specialties to aromatic curries and vegetarian delights. Savor the crunch of our hand-crafted appetizers, indulge in our signature house curries, or explore the smoky depths of our tandoor-grilled meats and seafood. With gluten-free and dairy-free options available, we cater to all palates and dietary needs.