Hi, I’m Anne, and I’m excited to share my Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. It’s more than just food; it reminds me of my college days with friends, eating and studying together late into the night.
In college, my friends and I loved cooking new dishes to spice up our meals. One day, we found Chicken Tikka Masala in The Kelly Clarkson show where the was Nick Jonas.
We were curious about its flavors, so we decided to try it. In our small kitchen, we each helped out to make it perfect. We even enjoyed it with Pineapple Mocktails.
Now, whenever I make Chicken Tikka Masala, it brings back happy college memories. Join me in making this Unique recipe and relive those special times!
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Equipment
- Large deep frying pan or sauté pan
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping board
- Garlic crusher
- Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts cubed
- 1 tbsp soft brown sugar
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger peeled
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 10 dried curry leaves
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 large onion peeled
- 4 tbsp natural yogurt
- 1 fresh green chilllies depending on how hot you like it
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Fresh coriander chopped
- 3 tbsp Peanut oil
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, chili, ginger, and garlic to the pan; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and sugar; cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add tomato puree and tinned tomatoes; stir and let cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor; blend until completely smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon of fresh oil to the same pan; fry the chicken pieces until lightly browned.
- Pour the blended sauce back into the pan; add curry leaves and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in yogurt and half of the chopped coriander; garnish with the remaining coriander before serving.
Notes
- Toasting the spices briefly brings out their natural oils and deepens the flavor don’t skip this step.
- Use full-fat yogurt to avoid curdling when stirred into the hot sauce.
- Lower heat before stirring in yogurt to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 317.9 |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 530mg |
Time For My Personal Tips
Tip 1: Marinating the chicken overnight not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the meat is tender and juicy.
Tip 2: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the marinated chicken skewers instead of baking them in the oven.
Tip 3: Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing the spices to simmer together with the tomatoes and cream creates a rich and complex sauce that’s the hallmark of a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala.
Secrets to Deliciously Rich Indian Cuisine
In Indian cooking, using enough oil and butter is important for richness in the dish. Don’t skimp on them, as it really affects the flavor. We were surprised at how much of a difference it made.
You can reduce the oil by just 1 tablespoon at most, and skip the butter at the end if you want, but taste it first. Even with the full amount of oil and butter, it’s only about 1.7 tablespoons per serving, which isn’t too much.
You can use ghee instead of oil and butter for sautéing the onion, but I find oil and butter give a similar result. Sometimes I use ghee if I have it on hand, but usually, I don’t.
This dish has plenty of sauce on purpose because it’s delicious that way! Even though it might seem like a lot, curries need a good amount of salt because of their intense flavors.
What To Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe?
Delicious Variations You Should Not Miss
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is easily customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
- Creamier Version: Stir in a tablespoon of coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free variation.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add more green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to intensify the heat.
- Cashew-Coconut Tikka Masala: Blend cashews or coconut into the sauce for extra creaminess.
- Mild Version: Use less chili powder and omitting the green chili for a more mild flavor.
- Curry Leaf Addition: Add more curry leaves for a deeper, aromatic flavor.
- Tomato-Cashew Paste: Blend cashews with tomatoes for a thicker, richer sauce base.
- Smoky Tikka Masala: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
Best Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish freezes well; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Tip: Gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to bring back its creamy texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day before cooking to save time and enhance flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. - Can I make this dish without yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute the yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. - How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?
Lower the heat before stirring in the yogurt, and use full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture. - How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder and fresh chilies. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. - Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach will enhance the dish and make it even more hearty. - What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the curry. - Can I make this dish less creamy?
Yes, reduce the amount of yogurt or substitute with a lower-fat option if you prefer a lighter sauce. - How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken should be fully cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork.
hi there,
i’m Anne
A food blogger with a passion for creating vibrant, approachable recipes.
Tiffany
Tuesday 19th of November 2024
So easy to make and a tasty recipe for your family!