Nutrition Facts: How many calories are in chicken tikka chunks?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to data aggregated from various nutrition databases, a standard 100-gram serving of grilled chicken tikka can contain between 115 and 160 calories, depending on the preparation. Understanding how many calories are in chicken tikka chunks is essential for balancing your diet, as the final count can be heavily influenced by ingredients and cooking methods.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for chicken tikka chunks varies significantly with preparation and ingredients, ranging typically from 115-160 kcal per 100g. Homemade, grilled versions with lean meat and low-fat yogurt are the leanest option.

Key Points

Calories Vary Widely: Calorie counts for chicken tikka chunks range from 115-160 kcal per 100g, depending on preparation, cooking method, and specific ingredients.
Cooking Method is Key: Grilling or baking chicken tikka is far lower in calories and fat compared to frying it, as excess fat drips away.
Homemade Offers Control: Making chicken tikka at home allows you to use low-fat ingredients like Greek yogurt and lean chicken breast to minimize calories.
Tikka is Not Masala: Chicken tikka chunks without sauce are significantly leaner than chicken tikka masala, which has a high-fat, creamy base.
A High-Protein, Nutrient-Rich Option: When prepared healthily, chicken tikka provides high-quality protein and beneficial nutrients from spices like turmeric and cumin.

The Calorie Breakdown of Chicken Tikka Chunks

The calorie content of chicken tikka chunks is influenced by several key factors. Unlike a ready-to-eat item with a fixed nutritional label, the final calorie count for a serving of chicken tikka can vary based on whether it is made at home, purchased pre-made, or ordered at a restaurant. The primary variables include the cut of chicken used, the ingredients in the marinade, and the cooking method employed.

A typical 100-gram serving, which is roughly equivalent to a small cup or several bite-sized pieces, contains a moderate number of calories, making it a potentially healthy addition to a diet. This calorie count is a mix of protein and fats, with minimal carbohydrates unless served with a sauce or rice.

How Cooking Method Affects Calories

The way chicken tikka is prepared has a massive impact on its final nutritional value. The traditional tandoor cooking method is often the healthiest, as it uses dry heat and allows fat to drain away during the cooking process.

Grilling vs. Frying

Grilling or baking: This method involves cooking the chicken over or under high, direct heat, such as on a barbecue or in an oven. The high heat seals in flavor while allowing any excess fat from the marinade to drip off. This results in a leaner, more protein-dense product.
Frying: Frying the chicken chunks, whether in a pan or deep-fried, can dramatically increase the calorie count. The chicken absorbs the cooking oil or ghee, significantly boosting the fat content and, consequently, the calories.
Air-frying: An excellent modern alternative, air-frying uses hot air circulation to cook the chicken with very little to no added oil, mimicking the crispy exterior of frying while keeping the calorie count low.

Homemade vs. Commercial Chicken Tikka Chunks

There is a notable difference between making chicken tikka at home and purchasing commercially prepared versions. With a homemade recipe, you have full control over the quality and quantity of ingredients, which is crucial for managing calories.

Here are some key differences:

Fat Content: Homemade versions can use low-fat yogurt and minimal oil, whereas store-bought options may use higher-fat ingredients to enhance flavor and shelf-life.
Sodium Levels: Commercial products often contain higher levels of sodium and preservatives for flavor and preservation. Homemade tikka allows you to control the amount of salt used.
Portion Size: Premade chunks are often sold in specific portion sizes, which can be larger or smaller than a typical homemade serving. Always check the packaging for accurate nutritional information.

The Impact of Ingredients on Calorie Count

Even small changes to ingredients can make a big difference in the calorie count. Choosing the right components can help keep your meal light and healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Choose Lean Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast over thighs. Thigh meat has a higher fat content, increasing the overall calories per serving.
Use Low-Fat Marinade: Substitute full-fat yogurt or cream in the marinade with low-fat Greek yogurt or strained yogurt. This provides the creamy texture and tenderizing effect of traditional marinades while significantly reducing fat and calories.
Manage Cooking Fats: Instead of using ghee or oil to brush the chicken, use a low-calorie cooking spray or skip the extra fat entirely when grilling or baking.
Spices are Your Friend: Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric add a wealth of flavor and health benefits without adding calories.

Chicken Tikka vs. Chicken Tikka Masala: A Calorie Comparison

It is common to confuse chicken tikka with chicken tikka masala, but they are very different from a nutritional perspective. Chicken tikka is the grilled chicken chunk itself, while chicken tikka masala includes those chunks in a rich, creamy, and often high-calorie sauce.


Feature	Chicken Tikka (Chunks)	Chicken Tikka Masala (with sauce)
Avg. Calories (per 100g)	~115-160 kcal	~350-450 kcal (estimated for the entire dish)
Cooking Method	Grilled or tandoor-cooked	Simmered in a creamy, tomato-based sauce
Fat Content	Lower (mostly from marinade)	Significantly higher (from cream, butter, or oil)
Serving Style	Dry, often served as an appetizer or kebab	Curry served with rice or naan

Making Healthier Chicken Tikka Chunks at Home

Creating a healthy and delicious version of chicken tikka at home is simple with a few key adjustments. By controlling your ingredients and cooking method, you can enjoy this flavorful dish without the excess calories.

Healthy Recipe Swaps:

Swap chicken thighs for skinless, boneless chicken breast.
Use non-fat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream or full-fat yogurt.
Use a low-calorie spray oil for greasing the pan or grill, or skip it entirely.
Marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat, even without higher-fat ingredients.
Grill the chicken on skewers, or bake it in the oven for a hands-off, low-fat option.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Tikka

Beyond just calories, chicken tikka offers several health benefits when prepared correctly. As a meal centered on lean chicken, it is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for building muscle and promoting satiety. The various spices used in the marinade also offer therapeutic properties:

Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound.
Ginger and Garlic: Known for their medicinal properties that can boost immunity and fight inflammation.
Yogurt: The marinade base provides probiotics and helps tenderize the meat.

Conclusion: Enjoying Chicken Tikka as Part of a Healthy Diet

When it comes to answering how many calories are in chicken tikka chunks, the answer is nuanced, depending heavily on the recipe. While restaurant and pre-packaged versions can be higher in calories due to fat and sodium, a homemade, grilled preparation using lean chicken and low-fat dairy is a highly nutritious and satisfying option. By making mindful choices about your ingredients and cooking techniques, you can enjoy chicken tikka as a protein-rich and flavorful component of a balanced nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chicken tikka can be an excellent food for weight loss if prepared correctly. By using lean, skinless chicken breast, marinating with low-fat yogurt, and grilling or baking, you get a high-protein, low-fat meal that promotes satiety.

Restaurants often add more oil, ghee (clarified butter), or cream to their marinade to boost flavor and richness, which significantly increases the total calorie count. They may also use fattier cuts of chicken.

Plain chicken tikka is much lower in calories than butter chicken. Butter chicken's high-calorie content comes primarily from its rich, creamy sauce made with butter, cream, and nuts, whereas tikka is simply marinated and grilled chicken.

The healthiest cooking methods are grilling, baking, or air-frying. These techniques require minimal added fat and allow excess fat to drain away, resulting in a lean, flavorful, and protein-packed dish.

Yes, the spices commonly used in chicken tikka, such as turmeric, ginger, and cumin, have numerous health benefits. They contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can support your immune system and overall health.

For a lower-calorie recipe, use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs, opt for non-fat Greek yogurt over full-fat versions, and use a cooking spray instead of brushing with oil or ghee during cooking.

Yes, there can be a significant difference. Homemade chicken tikka allows for complete control over ingredients and cooking fats, typically resulting in a leaner, lower-sodium product. Commercial brands may add more oil and preservatives, increasing the calorie count.