Introduction
Elevate your snack game with a delectable twist on traditional kebabs—introducing our Chicken Cheese Kebab Tikkis. This fusion masterpiece merges succulent ground chicken, gooey cheese, and aromatic spices into bite-sized delights that are both satisfying and wholesome. Each golden-brown tikki delivers a burst of flavour and texture—perfect for sharing at social gatherings or enjoying as a quick meal. With a healthy tilt using lean protein and mindful cooking, this recipe aligns beautifully with UK wellness trends, showcasing how indulgence and nutrition can harmoniously coexist.
Why These Kebabs Qualify as a Healthy Chicken Delight
- Lean Protein Focus: Ground chicken offers a low-fat yet high-protein base, ideal for a healthy chicken option.
- Thoughtful Ingredients: Cheese adds richness, while breadcrumbs and egg coatings contribute crunch—no deep frying required.
- Balanced Portioning: Compact kebab size ensures enjoyment without guilt.
- Fresh Herbs & Spices: Real coriander, ginger, garlic, and warming spices enhance taste and nutrient value.
- UK-Friendly Appeal: Easily available ingredients and fitted to the growing UK demand for flavour-packed yet healthy snacks.
Ingredients (About 12 Tikkis)
For the Chicken Cheese Mixture
- 650 g lean ground chicken (min 5% fat)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella or mature Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) dried breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (40 g) finely chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp ginger–garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp red chilli powder (optional, mild)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Coating & Cooking
- ½ cup (60 g) plain flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100 g) dried breadcrumbs
- 2–3 Tbsp olive oil or light vegetable oil for shallow frying
Culinary Process:
1. Mix the Filling
Combine ground chicken, cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, coriander, ginger–garlic paste, and spices in a large bowl. Use hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated and mixture binds together.
2. Shape the Kebabs
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. With lightly moist hands, form each into a round tikki or patty—about 2 cm thick. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
3. Prep the Coating Station
Set out three shallow bowls: one with plain flour; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each tikki by first dipping in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs—creating a crispy outer layer.
4. Shallow Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, gently place tikkis and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese begins to ooze. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on stove and pan.
5. Finish & Rest
Transfer cooked tikkis to a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Let them rest for a minute to retain juiciness. Resting also helps cheese set slightly before the first delicious bite.
6. Serve Hot with Flair
Present on a platter with colourful dips—think mint yogurt, chutney, or light cheese sauce—and garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges. These tikkis pair beautifully with a side salad or whole-wheat pitta for a fuller meal.
Nutritional Counts (Per Tikki, Approx.)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Total Fat: 8 g
– Saturated Fat: 3 g - Carbohydrates: 10 g
– Sugars: 1 g - Fibre: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
Perfectly portioned for a snack or meal, these kebabs support active lifestyles across the UK while delivering satisfying flavour.
Tips & Variations
- Bake, Not Fry: For even lighter tikkis, place on a greased or lined tray and bake at 200 °C for 15–20 minutes (flip halfway).
- Vegan Cheese Options: Swap dairy cheese for plant-based shreds—still nutritious and cheesy-friendly.
- Herb Extras: Add finely chopped mint or parsley for freshness; switch garam masala with mild paprika for variation.
- Coating Mix: Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed oats for a lighter texture.
- Cheese Centre: Press a cube of halloumi or cheese into each filling portion for molten bite-ready centers.
Why This Resonates with UK Audiences
- Lean & clean eating: Reflects UK focus on healthy chicken, higher protein choices, and modest fat intake.
- Speed & simplicity: Perfect for weekday evening meals or batch-cooking weekend prep.
- Kid-friendly flair: Crispy, cheesy, and mild—ideal for lunchboxes or casual dinners.
- Social sharing: Attractive centerpiece with dips—suitable for gatherings and pub-style fare at home.
Serving Suggestions
- Dip Trio: Mint‑yogurt, mango chutney, and light cheese sauce.
- Salad Plates: Pair with Mediterranean fattoush or green salad with lemon dressing.
- Sub in Pitta: Fill whole‑wheat pitta with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and kebabs.
- Mini Slider Style: Use slider buns to create fun, portable kebab burgers.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Cheese Kebab Tikkis hit all the right notes—moist, cheesy, stringy, crisp, and bursting with spice. With lean meat, simple coatings, and flexible cooking choices, they reflect a modern healthy chicken snack that suits busy UK kitchens and family tables. Bold enough to be centrepiece, smart enough to stay nutritious, they exemplify fusion cooking at its best.
So go ahead—serve up these irresistible bites at your next brunch, barbecue, or movie night. Enjoy the culinary fusion, savour the balance of nutrition and indulgence, and delight in every cheesy, savory moment!
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.