Chicken Tikka Masala is a famous Indian food that people all over the world love. Let’s dive into its rich and fragrant flavors. For this delicious curry, I soaked tender chicken pieces in a spicy yogurt mixture, grilled them until they were just right, and then simmered them in a creamy tomato-based sauce. I can’t wait to tell you more about it.
Putting chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and different spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala for a while helps the chicken get ready for the main dish. You can then cook or bake the chicken after marinating it until it is brown and soft.
To make the creamy tomato sauce for Chicken Tikka Masala, add onions, garlic, and ginger to oil or ghee and cook them until they are soft. Then, add tomatoes, spices, and cream. If you add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, they can soak up all the rich, tasty gravy.
This blog post is about Chicken Tikka Masala. I’ll talk about where it comes from, how to cook it, and why people who like the strong, rich tastes of Indian food love it. Chicken Tikka Masala will take your taste buds on a trip of flavor whether you eat it with rice or naan. Come with me as I learn more about Chicken Tikka Masala!
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 700 g Chicken Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1- inch piece Ginger grated
- 1 Green chili finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cups Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken (or Oven Method)
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, and garam masala. Cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Pour in heavy cream or coconut cream and mix well. Simmer the chicken tikka masala for a few more minutes until heated through. Adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the chicken tikka masala with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. Enjoy the flavorful and satisfying chicken tikka masala as a comforting main course dish.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Tandoori Oven: For an authentic smoky flavor, you can cook the marinated chicken in a tandoori oven or on a barbecue grill.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chili and paprika according to your spice preference. For a milder version, omit the green chili or reduce the amount of paprika.
- Cream Substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the sauce.
- Leftovers: Chicken tikka masala tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Masala is a quintessential Indian dish that captures the essence of rich and aromatic flavors. Whether enjoyed at home or in your favorite Indian restaurant, this creamy and flavorful curry is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for authentic Indian cuisine. Treat yourself to the irresistible allure of chicken tikka masala and experience a culinary journey like no other.