Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish just like Butter Chicken and Biryani. You can serve it with Basmati Rice or you can enjoy it with soft and fluffy Naan or simple Homemade Flatbreads to soak up the sauce!
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic curry dish with tender, char-grilled chicken chunks in a flavorful sauce. The dish has two parts: the “tikka” (grilled chicken pieces) and the “masala” (the sauce). “Tikka” means a piece or chunk and here it refers to chicken marinated in spiced yogurt and then grilled to perfection. These smoky and tender pieces are simmered in a creamy onion tomato sauce which creates a delicious and aromatic dish.
This famous dish comes from Northern India where tikka kebabs were traditionally cooked in a tandoor over charcoal or wood fire. Tikka kebabs are usually served as appetizers with coriander or mint chutney. However, the Tikka Masala sauce is a fusion of Indian and British cuisine which is made popular by Indian chefs in Britain.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala?
This recipe is for the stovetop but you can also make it in an Instant Pot or slow cooker for a more hands-off method. You can also prefer the traditional stovetop version but all methods are very tasty. Look at the notes section below for detailed instructions for making Chicken Tikka Masala.
Cooking Time: 30 mins
Serving: 2
Calories Per Serving: 650 kcal
Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala:
● 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
● 1/2 cup plain yogurt
● 1/4 cup masala paste (follow recipe)
● 1–2 tablespoons oil
● 2 cups tomato puree
● 1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
● 1 cup heavy cream (sub a 14-ounce can of regular coconut milk)
● 2 cups rice
● ¼ cup cilantro
Ingredients for Masala Paste:
● 5 cloves garlic
● 2 onions (about 3 cups when chopped)
● 3 tablespoons garam masala
● a 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
● 1 tablespoon each chilli powder, turmeric, and cumin
● ½ teaspoon ground cloves
● ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
● 2 teaspoons kosher salt
● juice of one lemon
● a small pile of cilantro stems
Instructions to Prepare:
● Masala Paste: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Set aside 1/4 cup of the paste for this recipe and freeze the rest for later. Done!
● Marinate Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then mix the chicken with 1 to 2 tablespoons of masala paste and yogurt. Marinate it and keep it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
● Cook Rice and Chicken: Start cooking the rice according to package directions. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook the chicken in batches without stirring until browned on the outside. Remove from the pan and set aside. (The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet.)
● Sauce: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of masala paste to the same skillet and stir fry for a few minutes. Add the tomato puree and the browned chicken. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
● All Set: Stir in cream or coconut milk. Season with salt. Let it sit for a while to thicken the sauce. Serve over rice with cilantro. The delicious dish is ready to serve.
Chicken Tikka Masala Vs. Butter Chicken
Many people think Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Chicken Jalfrezi are the same but they are different. Chicken Tikka Masala is spicier which is made with boneless chicken and has a chunky sauce with chopped onions. It is cooked in oil with sometimes a little butter.
Authentic Indian Butter Chicken has no onions, can be made with bone-in chicken, and is mainly cooked in butter. Its sauce is smooth and silky and it is less spicy with a slightly sweet taste but not overly sweet.
Is Chicken Tikka Masala Spicy?
You can use Kashmiri chili if you have. It is mild but gives the Masala sauce a great color and flavor. If you cannot find it, any ground red chili or cayenne powder will work for it. Then adjust the amount to your heat preference or leave it out for a milder curry.
Conclusion
We really hope that you love this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. Simply follow the above given instructions with proper ingredients to get the best taste in this recipe. If you do not have time to make it or want the dish ready in front of you, you can come to RazmAzaan which is the go to spot for authentic Indian food in Muscat, Oman.
We have been delighting taste buds and creating memorable dining experiences since 2015. As the best Indian restaurant in Muscat, we proudly offer delicious and healthy food to our customers. When you enter our restaurant, you will find a calm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrates flavors. The tempting aroma of spices fills the air which makes you eager for the tasty dishes to come.
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