chicken tikka masala recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that has found its way into kitchens and hearts around the globe. Its rich, creamy, and spiced sauce paired with tender pieces of marinated chicken makes it a favorite for many. But where did this delicious dish originate, and how can you make a chicken tikka masala recipe at home to enjoy its authentic flavors? In this blog post, we will explore the history, ingredients, and step-by-step process to create the perfect chicken tikka masala recipe. We’ll also look at some variations and toppings to customize the dish to your taste, serving suggestions to make your meal complete, and conclude with a few final thoughts.

The Origins of Chicken Tikka Masala

The origins of Chicken Tikka Masala are as rich and complex as the dish itself. It is widely believed that the dish was created by Indian chefs working in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s. Legend has it that a British customer asked for some sauce to accompany his dry chicken tikka, and the chef quickly whipped up a tomato-based cream sauce with spices, thus giving birth to Chicken Tikka Masala. Despite its debated origins, what remains undeniable is the dish’s global popularity.

Why Homemade is Best

While it’s easy to order Chicken Tikka Masala from your favorite Indian restaurant, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and enjoy the cooking process. Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala can be tailored to suit your taste preferences, whether you like it extra spicy, mild, or somewhere in between. Plus, it’s a great dish to impress family and friends with your culinary skills.

What Makes a Great Chicken Tikka Masala?

A great Chicken Tikka Masala starts with well-marinated chicken, a flavorful blend of spices, and a creamy, tomato-based sauce. The key is to balance the spices to create a harmonious flavor profile that is both rich and complex. Fresh ingredients and high-quality spices can make a significant difference in the final dish. The process might seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you can master this classic dish.

In the sections that follow, we will dive into the ingredients you’ll need, detailed directions to guide you through the cooking process, variations to suit different tastes, serving suggestions to complete your meal, and a conclusion to wrap up our culinary journey.

chicken tikka masala recipe

Recipe by Sandra J

Prep time

1

hour 

Cooking time

45

minutes

Perfect for a flavorful homemade meal.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• Salt to taste

• For the Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground garam masala

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Preparing the Chicken
• Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix until well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld.
• Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven to high heat. If you are grilling, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill or broil the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from heat and set aside.
• Making the Masala Sauce
• Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release their aromas.
• Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the spices and aromatics. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
• Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer the sauce gently for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the masala sauce.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

• .

Variations and Toppings for chicken tikka masala recipe

Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala

If you love heat, you can easily amp up the spice level of your Chicken Tikka Masala. Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and add more green chilies or even some red chili flakes to the masala sauce. A dash of hot sauce can also bring an extra kick.

Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or coconut cream. This variation not only makes the dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance but also adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Vegetarian Tikka Masala

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu. Marinate and prepare them in the same manner as the chicken. You can also add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and peas to the masala sauce for added texture and flavor.

Toppings to Elevate Your Dish

• Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or mint can add a fresh burst of flavor and color to your Chicken Tikka Masala.
• Crumbled Paneer: Adding crumbled paneer on top can provide a creamy texture and additional protein.
• Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds or cashews can add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Yogurt Drizzle: A drizzle of plain yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice and salt can add a tangy contrast to the rich masala sauce.

Serving Suggestions for chicken tikka masala recipe

Classic Pairings

Chicken Tikka Masala is often enjoyed with a side of fluffy basmati rice. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the spiced chicken perfectly. For a more authentic experience, you can prepare jeera rice (rice cooked with cumin seeds) or saffron rice to serve alongside.

Bread Options

Naan bread, with its soft and chewy texture, is a classic choice to scoop up the rich sauce and tender chicken pieces. Garlic naan or butter naan brings an additional depth of flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can serve the dish with roti or chapati.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Balancing the rich and creamy Chicken Tikka Masala with some fresh vegetable side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with a cucumber raita (a yogurt-based side dish with chopped cucumber and spices) or a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette. Other popular Indian side dishes like aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower) or saag paneer (spinach with paneer) can also complement the meal.

Beverage Pairings

A cooling beverage like mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink) or a refreshing cucumber mint cooler can complement the spicy and rich flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala. For those who prefer alcoholic beverages, a crisp lager or a glass of Riesling can pair well with the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that truly captures the essence of Indian cuisine with its complex blend of spices and creamy tomato sauce. Making it at home allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen.

The Joy of Cooking at Home

Cooking at home can be a deeply satisfying experience, especially when you can share the fruits of your labor with family and friends. The process of preparing Chicken Tikka Masala from scratch, from marinating the chicken to simmering the sauce, can be a rewarding culinary journey.

Experiment and Enjoy

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to find your perfect version of Chicken Tikka Masala. Whether you prefer it spicy, creamy, or packed with vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Each variation offers a new way to enjoy this beloved dish.

Final Thoughts

We hope this blog post has inspired you to try making Chicken Tikka Masala at home. With a little patience and practice, you can master this classic dish and impress your loved ones with your cooking skills. Remember, the key to great Chicken Tikka Masala lies in the balance of spices, the quality of ingredients, and the love you put into the cooking process. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and embark on a culinary adventure that will bring the flavors of India to your dining table. Enjoy!