Chicken Tikka Masala

 

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe—A Rich & Creamy Indian Classic

Chicken tikka masala seeks your attention if you appreciate both strong spices and rich creamy curries. Chicken tikka masala represents a worldwide known Indian classic which combines grilled chicken tikka pieces with a luxurious tomato-based spiced sauce.

This recipe creates restaurant-quality magic that suits both the London cold and New York dining and Stockholm cozy dining experiences.

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken Tikka Masala exists in British-Indian cuisine as tender cooked chicken tikka that receives a flavorful tomato sauce based with butter and cream.

Every UK and US Indian restaurant maintains this essential dish to satisfy customers seeking the distinctive smoky and tangy along with mild spicy taste profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’ll break it into two parts: chicken tikka and the masala (sauce).

🔸 For Chicken Tikka (Grilled Chicken):

• 500g boneless chicken (breast or thigh), cubed

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tbsp oil

• Salt to taste

🔸 For Masala (Curry Sauce):

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 ½ cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

• Salt and sugar to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish
  
  

  

  How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala – Step-by-Step Guide

✅ Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

• Combine all ingredients required for chicken tikka marinade.

• Refrigerate chicken cubes during the marination process for at least one hour but ideally keep them for an overnight soak.

• Cook the chicken pieces in the oven or air fryer or use a frying pan for golden and cooked results.

✅ Step 2: Prepare the Masala Sauce

1. Place oil or butter into a large saucepan to heat up and add chopped onions which will turn golden.

2. Cook the mixture with ginger-garlic paste for a single minute.

3. Mix coriander with cumin and paprika and turmeric and garam masala into the pan. Continue cooking for 30 seconds. Cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Mix cream and salt with a small amount of sugar while stirring the mixture. Mix well.

✅ Step 3: Add Chicken

• Pour chicken tikka that has been grilled into the sauce.

• Let the chicken cook in simmering liquid for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• This dish goes well with basmati rice, naan and roti.

• Add a teaspoon of cream and a pinch of coriander to garnish the dish.

• You can also serve mint chutney or cucumber raita with this dish.

💡 Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala

• Chicken thighs produce a tender meat texture.

• You should add a chopped green chilli to add spiciness while cooking

• You should double the recipe and freeze the extra portion for a quick meal in the future.

• To make a vegetarian option, use tofu in place of chicken and coconut milk in place of cream.

Why Chicken Tikka Masala is a Global Favorite

The UK population has adopted Chicken Tikka Masala as their national dish to the extent that it carries the nickname “Britain’s national dish.” The Indian spice blend infused with British comfort elements creates a meal that people from diverse cultures love to enjoy. The food item reaches similar levels of popularity in both the United States and Australia, along with Canada.

Final Thoughts

You can find comfort in Chicken Tikka Masala as your go-to method of comfort food. This tasty dish holds creamy spices within its flavorful contents, which work well for everyday dinners with family and special celebrations alike.

After experiencing this homemade recipe, you will decide to permanently stop ordering takeout.