Tikku Chicken vs Tikka Chicken: Unraveling the Delicious Confusion

Ever walked into a restaurant and wondered about the difference between “tikku chicken” and “tikka chicken”? You’re not alone! I’ve seen plenty of foodies get confused between these similarly-named but distinctly different chicken dishes. Let’s clear up this tasty mystery once and for all!

What is Tikku Chicken?

Tikku chicken (or Kanatikku) is a Finnish fast-food specialty that features seasoned chicken pieces threaded onto skewers breaded and then deep-fried until perfectly crispy. The name “tikku” comes from the Finnish word for “stick,” which makes perfect sense given how it’s served.

This popular Finnish dish has become a beloved street food option. particularly in Finland and is gaining popularity elsewhere for several good reasons

• It’s incredibly portable (chicken on a stick!)
• It offers a satisfying crunch with every bite
• The chicken stays juicy inside its crispy coating
• It pairs wonderfully with dipping sauces

How Tikku Chicken is Made

Creating authentic Kanatikku involves a specific process

1. Chicken selection – Usually breast or thigh meat cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Marination – Seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes chili
3. Skewering – Carefully threaded onto sticks for even cooking and easy handling
4. Breading – Coated in a mixture of flour, breadcrumbs (panko works best), and seasonings
5. Deep-frying – Cooked in hot oil (around 350°F/175°C) until golden brown (5-7 minutes)

The result is a crispy, savory treat that’s especially delicious when paired with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, remoulade, or sweet chili sauce.

What is Tikka Chicken?

Tikka chicken, on the other hand, has its roots in South Asian cuisine, particularly from the Punjab region spanning eastern Pakistan and northwestern India. The word “tikka” comes from Persian, meaning “bits and pieces,” which accurately describes how the chicken is prepared.

Unlike its Finnish counterpart, tikka chicken:

• Is marinated in yogurt and Indian spices
• Contains no breading
• Is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven)
• Has a distinctive smoky, charred flavor

The Authentic Tikka Experience

Traditional chicken tikka involves:

1. Preparation – Boneless chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces
2. Marination – Soaked in yogurt, lemon/lime juice, and spices like cayenne, cumin, coriander, garam masala, ginger, and turmeric for 4-24 hours
3. Cooking – Skewered and baked in a tandoor oven at extremely high temperatures (above 900°F)
4. Serving – Often accompanied by coriander chutney or cucumber raita

Many Western adaptations have added a creamy tomato-based sauce (masala) to create chicken tikka masala, which has become wildly popular worldwide.

Tikkudak: A Korean Twist on Chicken

To make things even more interesting, there’s a third similar-sounding chicken dish called “Tikkudak” from Korean cuisine. This preparation method, featured at restaurants like CM Chicken (Choong Man Chicken), involves:

1. Frying chicken pieces first
2. Then finishing them in a charcoal grill
3. Coating with sauces like gochujang (red pepper paste)

As described by a reviewer at Fartley Farms: “This chicken is fried then tossed into a charcoal grill to bake further, all while the glistening red coating of addictive gochujang gets stickier and tastier.”

Key Differences: Tikku vs. Tikka vs. Tikkudak

Let me break down the main differences in a simple table:

Making These Dishes at Home

Tikku Chicken Tips

If you wanna try making Finnish tikku chicken at home:

• Panko breadcrumbs give the best crispiness
• Air fryers work great as a healthier alternative (400°F for 12-15 mins)
• Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to prevent them from falling off
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• You can even freeze the breaded skewers before cooking

Tikka Chicken Home Preparation

For authentic chicken tikka:

• Marinating overnight yields the best flavor
• If you don’t have a tandoor, use a very hot grill or broiler
• Adjust spices to increase heat if not using a traditional clay oven
• For vegetarians, paneer (Indian cheese) makes an excellent substitute
• The dish pairs wonderfully with naan bread or rice

Tikkudak at Home

While challenging to replicate exactly:

• Use a two-step cooking process: fry first, then finish on a very hot grill
• Gochujang paste is essential for authentic flavor
• The sauce should be sticky and coat the chicken evenly
• Be careful with the spice level – it can get intense!

Health Considerations

Let’s be honest – none of these dishes would qualify as “health food,” but there are some differences:

• Tikku chicken is typically higher in calories due to the breading and deep-frying
• Tikka chicken is generally healthier with its yogurt marinade and lack of breading
• Tikkudak falls somewhere in between, with the frying adding calories but no breading

For healthier versions:

• Air-fry your tikku chicken
• Use chicken breast instead of thighs for tikka
• Reduce oil when making tikkudak
• Opt for lighter dipping sauces made with yogurt

My Personal Experience

I’ve tried all three of these dishes, and I gotta say, they’re all fantastic in their own way! The first time I tasted authentic tikka chicken at an Indian restaurant, the complex blend of spices blew me away. The Finnish tikku chicken I tried at a food festival had this amazing crunch that was super satisfying. And when I finally got to experience tikkudak at a Korean chicken joint, the sticky-spicy-crispy combination was unlike anything I’d had before.

If I had to pick a favorite? I probably couldn’t! Each has its place depending on what I’m craving. Tikku when I want something crunchy and fun to dip, tikka when I’m feeling those complex spices, and tikkudak when I need that spicy kick!

Cultural Significance

These dishes aren’t just delicious – they represent important culinary traditions:

• Tikku chicken is a beloved street food in Finland, perfect for on-the-go eating
• Tikka chicken is often prepared for celebrations and special occasions in South Asian culture
• Tikkudak represents the innovative fusion approach of Korean chicken preparations

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – three delicious chicken dishes with similar-sounding names but distinctly different preparations and flavor profiles. Next time you see “tikku,” “tikka,” or “tikkudak” on a menu, you’ll know exactly what to expect!

Whether you prefer the crispy breaded goodness of Finnish tikku chicken, the aromatic spiced tandoori flavor of South Asian tikka, or the sticky-spicy goodness of Korean tikkudak, there’s something to satisfy every chicken lover’s palate.

Have you tried any of these dishes? Which one’s your favorite? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

There is no single “#1 fried chicken” as different sources rank different chains, but the Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee was named the best fast food fried chicken by USA Today’s 10Best list for 2025 for the second consecutive year. For a list of the best fried chicken restaurants overall, rather than just fast food, the Yelp Elite Squad ranked Howlin’ Ray’s as the #1 spot.

“Tikku” can refer to several things, including a Korean-style chicken dish from restaurants like CM Chicken (where the name may combine Korean words for “fried” and “grilled”), a brand of Indian spices and food products, or even a word in another language, like Finnish for “stick”. To know what “tikku” means, context is essential.