Chicken tikka calories and macros
Real numbers for 1 plate (150 g), calculated from a stated recipe. We show our work below.
By Shivam Verma Updated
One plate of chicken tikka (150 g) has roughly 250 calories, with about 30 g protein, 5 g carbohydrate, and 12 g fat. Chicken tikka is boneless chicken marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled in a tandoor, and it is one of the highest-protein, lowest-carb dishes in all of Indian food. Because it is grilled dry rather than simmered in gravy, almost all of its calories come from the chicken itself, with a little from the oil or butter used to baste it. That gives it an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio, around 30 g of protein for 250 calories, which is why it is a staple for people building muscle or eating high-protein. A home version with minimal basting is near 220, while a restaurant plate brushed with butter crosses 290. Unlike chicken tikka masala, which drops these grilled pieces into a rich cream gravy, plain chicken tikka stays lean. For a high-protein starter or meal, it is hard to beat.
Related guide: High-Protein Indian Foods, Ranked Per Serving
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250calories
Protein
30 g
Carbs
5 g
Fat
12 g
How we calculated this
- Boneless chicken, cooked130 g
- Yogurt marinade15 g
- Oil or butter for basting5 g
One plate of grilled chicken tikka, dry. No gravy. Restaurant versions basted with more butter run higher.
Ingredient values from USDA FoodData Central. Cross referenced against IFCT 2017 (ICMR-NIN).
Confidence: high
How the preparation changes it
| Style | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home, minimal bastingGrilled with little added fat. | 220 | 30 | 4 | 9 |
| Restaurant chicken tikkaThe standard plate. Headline number. | 250 | 30 | 5 | 12 |
| Butter-basted, richGenerously basted with butter. | 300 | 30 | 6 | 18 |
Common questions
How many calories in a plate of chicken tikka?
About 250 for a 150 g plate, with around 30 g protein. A home version is near 220, a butter-basted restaurant plate about 300. It is one of the highest-protein Indian dishes.
Is chicken tikka good for weight loss and muscle gain?
Excellent for both: about 30 g protein for 250 calories, very low carbohydrate, and grilled rather than fried or gravied. Keep the basting light and it is one of the best high-protein choices on the menu.
What is the difference between chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala?
Chicken tikka is the dry grilled chicken, about 250 calories a plate and 30 g protein. Chicken tikka masala drops those pieces into a cream-and-tomato gravy, which pushes it to roughly 300 a katori with more fat. The tikka alone is the leaner option.
Related dishes
These figures are estimates from stated recipes, for general information. They are not medical or dietary advice. If you manage a health condition, check with a registered dietitian or your doctor.
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