Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is the most popular takeaway dish in most countries. It is a rich and creamy flavoursome dish with aromatic golden chicken pieces covered with curry sauce. This dish is freezer-friendly and quick to reheat which allows you to save both time and money.

Preparation: 25 mins , Cook: 40- 50 mins, Level: Easy.

Nutrition information (*approx / serving) :
Kcal = 345
Fat = 19g
Saturates = 8g
Carbs = 13g
Sugars = 10g
Fibre = 3g
Protein = 31g
Salt = 1.04g

Chicken Tikka Masala ingredients

Chicken tikka masala ingredients are easy to find. You may already have these ingredients in your kitchen. If you don't have all ingredients mentioned below then you can buy them from Amazon

Chicken Tikka marinade:
28 oz (800g) boneless and skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon ginger
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili (or 1/2 teaspoon ground red chili powder)
1 teaspoon of salt

   

Massala sauce :
2 tablespoons of vegetable/canola oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 small onions (or 1 large onion) finely diced
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic finely grated
1 tablespoon ginger finely grated
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
400g tomato puree (tomato sauce/ peeled tomato)
1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili (optional for colour and flavour)
1 teaspoon ground red chili powder (adjust to your taste preference)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups of heavy or thickened cream (use evaporated milk for lower calories)
1 teaspoon sugar (brown preferred)
1/4 cup water if needed
2 tablespoons Fresh coriander to garnish

How to make chicken tikka masala?

Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is one of the best to test your cooking skill. It is very easy to make with one pan at home. Don't beleive it? check below steps :

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 1
In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with all of the ingredients for the chicken tikka marinate; let it marinate for at least an hour (overnight is recommended if time allows).

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 2
Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium-low heat. When sizzling, add chicken pieces slowly in batches, make sure chicken pieces are not close and attached to each other. Fry until the color turn into brown, for 2-3 minutes on each side. Set aside the cooked chicken. (You will need to add the cooked chicken in the sauce later)

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 3
Melt the butter in the same pan. Fry the onions until soft (about 3 minutes) while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 4
Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add garam masala, cumin, turmeric and coriander. Fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant, while stirring occasionally.

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 5
Pour in the tomato puree, chili powders and salt. Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and becomes a deep brown red colour.

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 6
Stir the cream and sugar through the sauce. Add the chicken and its juices back into the pan and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling. Pour in the water to thin out the sauce, if needed.

Chicken Tikka Masala cooking step 7
Finally! garnish with coriander. If you don't like the smell of coriander then you can add other garnish items. e.g saffron, pistachio etc.

Hot or mild chicken tikka masala?

If you want the chicken tikka masala to be slightly hot then use Kashmiri Chili. It's a mild chili but increases the colour and adds a wonderful flavour to the sauce. If you don't have Kashmiri Chili, use any ground red chili powder or Cayenne powder instead. If you want the chicken tikka masala to be mild, then avoid adding chilli, instead add more cream to make it mild. Hot or mild ? depends on personal preference.

Smooth or lumpy masala sauce?

Again, it is a personal preference. I prefer non blended sauce because It's easier, less mess and no difference in taste. If you prefer smooth sauce then blend well all the mixture after adding spices and sauce ingrediants.

What goes well with chicken tikka masala?

Fresh Basmati rice will be a nice combination with chicken tikka masala. Basmati rice is mentioned in the7 Wonderful and easy Indian dishes to make at home by huffpost.com. If you are a garlic fan, you can try garlic butter rice. Plain nan bread or Garlic nan bread will also accompany chicken tikka masala well.

#FREEZING TIPS
Wait for the curry to be cool, put it inside the freeze when it's completely cooled down. To avoid freezer drying, make sure all chicken pieces are well covered with the sauce and cover it with cling film (make few holes for breathing). When you reheat, make sure it's piping hot all the way through before serving.

Do you want try another recipe?

Chicken Korma without any doubt a favourite Indian dish to order out in a restaurant. It is rich, creamy, full of spices and flavour. If you've never tried making Indian food at home, this should definitely be your starter recipe. Chciken Korma cooking steps >>