Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: A Classic Indian Dish

It is a dish celebrated globally, which brilliantly mixes Indian cooking techniques and British influences. From South Asian chefs’ efforts in the UK, this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe has risen to prominence as a beloved staple in Western and Indian cuisines alike. A perfect combination of cultural cuisine is presented in this dish which pleases the palette with a rich, creamy sauce and juicy, seasoned meat that captivates the palate.

Its allure lies in its complex flavour profile, which combines smoky, grilled chicken pieces with a luxuriously creamy tomato-based sauce. This sauce is soothing, rich in spices like turmeric, garam masala, and cumin. It offers a heartwarming texture as well as a depth to it, which will appeal to everybody. Each serving showcases a culinary tradition adapted and cherished in kitchens worldwide.

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients List for Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe:

Explore Chicken Tikka Masala flavours with our concise guide, made for ease and clarity. This recipe breaks down essential ingredients and optional garnishes to enhance your cooking journey. It is perfect for both novices and seasoned chefs aiming to perfect this beloved dish.

Main ingredients:

• Chicken breast: 500 grams, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Plain yoghurt: 1 cup, for marinating
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, for marinating
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons, for frying
• Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato Puree: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for the sauce
• Fresh cilantro: A handful, chopped for garnish

Spices:

• Garlic: 3 cloves minced
• Ginger: 2 inches piece, grated
• Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
• Garam Masala: 2 teaspoons
• Cumin powder: 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for colour and mild heat
• Salt: To taste

Optional garnishes:

• Fresh Cream: For drizzling on top before serving
• Sliced almonds: For a crunchy texture
• Lemon wedges: For a fresh citrus flavour

Preparation Steps for Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Embark on a culinary journey with this authentic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. It is designed to deliver rich flavours through a combination of marinated meat and a creamy, spiced sauce. This guide outlines each step to ensure you achieve the perfect dish every time.

Preparation:

• Begin by combining plain yoghurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and spices such as turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and paprika. This is done in a bowl. Coat the meat pieces evenly with this marinade and refrigerate. For optimal flavour, marinate the chicken for at least one hour or overnight.

Grilling :

• Once seasoned, cook the chicken until charred and fully cooked. You can use a grill or a broiler to get the perfect char and smoky flavour. This enhances the taste and adds texture to the dish.

Making the sauce:

• In a large pan, cook onions until golden, then add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Incorporate spices followed by tomato puree and let it simmer to thicken slightly. To achieve a rich and creamy consistency, stir in cream and simmer further.

Chilies and sauce:

• Add the grilled pieces to the prepared sauce, allowing them to simmer together so the meat absorbs the sauce flavours. Adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed by adding a little water or more cream.

Garnishing and Serving:

• Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal.

Tips for success:

• A longer marinate will deepen the flavours, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Be mindful of the sauce’s consistency; it should be creamy but not overly thick, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Tikka Masala:

Maintaining a healthy diet requires knowing Chicken Tikka Masala’s nutritional content. The following is a detailed breakdown of nutritional values per serving, including calories, protein, and fat.

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
• Protein: About 35 grams
• Total Fat: Approximately 27 grams
• Saturated Fat: Around 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 18 grams
• Sugar: About 8 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Cholesterol: About 150 mg
• Sodium: Approximately 800 mg

These values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion sizes. For instance, using light cream instead of full-fat cream can significantly reduce the calories and fat content.

FAQS

What are the ingredients in chicken tikka masala?

Chicken tikka masala typically includes chicken marinated in spices and yoghurt, which is then grilled and served in a creamy tomato-based curry sauce. There are usually tomatoes, cream, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, and garam masala in the sauce.

What is the best way to make simple chicken tikka masala?

A simple version of chicken tikka masala can be made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yoghurt and spices, grilling or baking them, and then cooking them in a sauce made with tomatoes, cream, and additional spices. Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Homemade chicken masala: how to make it?

To make chicken masala at home, start by marinating chicken in a mixture of yoghurt and spices. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and set aside. Prepare a masala sauce with onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices. Then combine the cooked chicken with the sauce and simmer until the flavours meld together.

What is the process for making chicken tikka masala?

The chicken tikka masala was likely developed by chefs in the UK. They added a creamy tomato sauce to chicken tikka, a dish made of marinated and grilled chicken pieces. The exact origin is debated, but it’s known for being an adaptation of Indian cooking styles to suit Western tastes, combining grilled chicken with a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce.