• Place the ginger, garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, chilli powder, paprika powder, turmeric powder, black pepper, salt, yogurt, lemon juice, and cooking oil in a mixing bowl. Stir them all well to ensure it all mixes well

• Toss the chicken into the mixture and ensure the masala mixes well with it. Take a fork and try to make holes in the chicken to ensure it marinates better

• Take note to marinate the chicken 30 mins before cooking or leave it overnight to allow all the flavors to blend in

• Once ready put the chicken tikka pieces on skewers

• Cook them all in the oven for 25 mins in a preheat oven at 190 deg celsius. Turn the skewers halfway to ensure its cooked evenly

For the Chicken Tikka Masala

• Get the potatoes ready while the chicken is cooking. Deep fry them until they are all golden brown

• Fry the chopped onions in a large pan under  medium heat until golden brown

• Add in the ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, kashmiri red chili powder, black pepper powder, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods. Stir them well and cook until it gives out an aroma

• Add in the tomatoes and cook for 2 mins before adding in the yogurt
• Lower the heat and stir it well for 2-3 mins

• Take the cooked chicken pieces off and put them in the masala along with the potatoes. If needed add in ¼ cup of water and mix it well. Simmer it till the sauce slightly thickens.

For the Chicken Tikka Biryani

• Drain the soaked rice and cook it in 5 cups of warm boiling water. Take and drain out the rice once its half cooked

• Keep stirring the masala to ensure it does not stick to the pan. Take half of the chicken tikka masala and place it in a bowl

• Place half the rice over half chicken tikka masala in a pot. Spread it all evenly. Put half masala on top of the rice, followed by the previous layer of rice

• Sprinkle the orange food coloring over the rice

• Cover the lid with a towel and put the lid on the pan. Turn down the heat and cook the rice till the steam comes out. This would take approximately 10-15 mins

• Turn the rice to ensure the masala and chicken spread evenly

• Garnish the rice with coriander leaves and enjoy delicious Chicken Tikka Biryani with mint yogurt