Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a wild crowd-pleaser and delicious! Hailing from the Indian subcontinent, it consists of grilled pieces of marinated chicken, traditionally made in a tandoor (clay oven), served with a thick and spiced tomato-based gravy.
Featured in the dish are bold spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam Marsala, balanced by a creamy consistency from yoghurt or cream. Chicken Tikka Masala, whether served with basmati rice or naan bread, is a genuinely comforting, indulgent dish that marries spicy, savoury and slightly sweet flavours in one perfect mouthful. It’s an excellent option for casual weekday meals and fancy weekend dinners alike.

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Origins of Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

A two-page spread features a bit of culinary history with a chicken tikka masala recipe, often considered a dish of British origin, attributed to South Asian immigrants. Though its roots run deep in Indian cuisine, it was allegedly invented by a chef in the 1960s who Westernized traditional tandoori chicken for Western palates. Slathered with its rich, spiced tomato sauce, a creaminess that clung to meats, it soon became a favourite in British homes and restaurants alike, spreading the world over.
Today, Chicken Tikka Masala is considered one of the most popular dishes in the world, a valid symbol of how food can transcend borders and cultures.

Why Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a Perfect Idea

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala gives you complete control over the flavours, quality, and food ingredients going into your meals, making it a fresher, healthier option than many pre-made versions available. Cooking it yourself also allows you to control for spice level, the use of organic or in-season ingredients or the preservatives sometimes found in restaurant iterations. Homemade recipes also remedy specific dietary preferences, like gluten-free or low-fat, allowing for versatility and catering to a range of appetites.
Preparing it at home also enhances the enjoyment of cooking and sharing a delicious, comforting meal with loved ones.

Keys to a Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

It all starts with the marinade, and for the best Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, that marinade has to be good. A mixture of yoghurt, lemon juice, and spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, guarantees that the chicken will be tender and flavorful. (The chicken needs to be marinated for at least an hour, overnight if you can, to get the flavours throughout.) A gravy-base sauce of rich tomatoes blended with cream or yoghurt results in a very smooth sauce. Don’t forget the aromatics: onions, garlic, and ginger are essential for depth of flavour. Finally, perfecting the balance of spices—too much heat can overwhelm, but just the right amount can elevate the dish to new heights.

Health Benefits of Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Although Chicken Tikka Masala has developed a reputation as a decadent treat, the dish can provide plenty of health advantages, especially when prepared at home. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and the spices turmeric, cumin, and coriander are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric, in particular, is renowned for the possibility of enhancing digestion and obscenity immunity. Also, yoghurt and tomatoes offer probiotics and vitamins.
For a healthier version, consider using low-fat cream or substituting with coconut milk, and opt for grilled rather than fried chicken.

Other Tips for a Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

If you’re looking to take your Chicken Tikka Masala to the next level, serve it alongside basmati rice, which gives it a fragrant touch, or garlic naan for a fantastic pairing! For even more flavour, top it with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon. For a smoky flavour, grill the chicken and add it to the sauce. It is also a good dish to make ahead; the flavours continue to develop as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or gatherings. The versatility and deliciousness of Chicken Tikka Masala make it a timeless choice for any occasion.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a flavorful and indulgent Indian-inspired dish made with tender marinated chicken cooked in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. With a balance of spices, creaminess, and warmth, this dish is a favorite worldwide. Perfect for pairing with basmati rice or naan bread, it’s a comforting, delicious meal that can be easily prepared at home for a healthier, customizable version.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Marinating Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course chicken

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (for marinating and combining ingredients)
• Grill pan or skillet (for cooking chicken)
• Large pan or saucepan (for cooking the sauce)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

  

• For the Chicken Marinade
• 500 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1- inch piece of fresh ginger minced
• Salt to taste
• For the Sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee clarified butter
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1- inch piece of fresh ginger minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder optional for extra heat
• 400 g can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
• 1/2 cup water adjust for desired consistency
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro coriander, chopped for garnish
• For Serving
• Basmati rice cooked
• Naan bread optional

Instructions

 

Marinate the Chicken:

• Add yoghurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder, paprika, minced garlic, ginger and salt to a bowl. Mix well.
• Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are well-coated with the marinade. But cover and refrigerate at the very least 1 hour (or overnight for the best results).

Prepare the Sauce:

• In a large pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds or so or until sizzling.
• Add the chopped onion, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and softened.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
• In goes ground coriander, paprika, garam masala and chilli powder (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Chicken:

• As the sauce simmers, place a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. In a large pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and fry the marinated chicken pieces in two or three batches for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, they can be baked in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
• Add it to the simmering sauce once it’s cooked.

Finish the Dish:

• Add in the heavy cream and let the sauce reduce for an additional 5-7 minutes to incorporate flavours and for the sauce to thicken. Adjust salt to taste.

Serve:

• Serve Chicken Tikka Masala over warm cooked basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon if you like.

Notes

Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight gives the flavors time to deeply penetrate, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and paprika. For extra heat, add more chili powder or a fresh green chili when cooking the sauce.

Healthier Version: For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Make Ahead: Chicken Tikka Masala can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors tend to develop even more after sitting for a while.

Keyword chicken curry, curry recipe, homemade Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian chicken recipe, spicy chicken dish

Chicken Tikka Masala Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

(Recipe serves 4)

References

Calories in Chicken

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