Are you a fan of Indian food? Do you love the bold and complex flavors of chicken tikka masala? If so, you’re in luck! Today, I’m excited to share a simple and delicious chicken tikka masala recipe that you can make at home. No need to worry about reservations or takeout – with a few key ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can whip up a homemade chicken tikka masala that’s just as good as what you’d find in a restaurant.
My recipe is perfect for those who love a good challenge in the kitchen or for those who are craving the flavors of India. You don’t need to be a professional chef to recreate this classic dish – just follow my step-by-step instructions and enjoy the authentic flavors of chicken tikka masala in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Before we get started, let’s take a closer look at what chicken tikka masala is and what makes it so special.
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that has become a staple of British cuisine. The dish features grilled chicken (tikka), which is first marinated in spices and yogurt before being cooked in a tomato-based sauce that is infused with aromatic Indian spices. The sauce is rich and creamy, with just the right amount of spice to tantalise your taste buds. The dish is often served with rice or naan, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
If you are looking for an authentic chicken tikka masala experience, then look no further than this recipe. By following a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and mouth-watering Indian dish that will leave your loved ones wanting more.
One of the reasons that chicken tikka masala has become such a popular dish is because of its versatility. It can be made as mild or as spicy as you like, depending on your own personal tastes. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?
Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala
To make an easy chicken tikka masala recipe at home, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 500g |
| Yogurt | 1 cup |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Garam masala | 2 tsp |
| Cumin | 2 tsp |
| Paprika | 2 tsp |
| Turmeric | 1 tsp |
| Tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish) | Small handful, chopped |
Note: You can adjust the spice levels of the chicken tikka masala by adding more or less of the spices listed above to suit your taste.
Preparing the Chicken Tikka
In order to make a delicious Indian chicken tikka masala, the first step is preparing the chicken tikka. Begin by cutting chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and placing them into a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of plain yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric. Pour the mixture over the chicken and stir to ensure that all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, leave it overnight to allow the flavours to infuse.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6). Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and place each piece onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Alternatively, you can grill the chicken over high heat for a quick chicken tikka masala. Place the chicken tikka onto skewers and grill for 10-15 minutes or until it is cooked through.
Cooking the Chicken Tikka
Now that we’ve marinated the chicken properly, it’s time to cook it to perfection. To create restaurant-style chicken tikka masala, we need to get the chicken browned and fully cooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a pan over medium heat with vegetable oil. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two.
- Once the pan is sufficiently hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to it.
- Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Keep flipping the pieces occasionally to ensure they’re cooked evenly.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it off the heat and set it aside while we prepare the tikka masala sauce.
Now that we’ve cooked the chicken tikka, let’s focus on making the flavorful sauce to take the dish to the next level.
Making the Tomato-Based Sauce
As we move forward to the next step, let me remind you that the tomato-based sauce gives that distinctive flavour to the spicy chicken tikka masala. So, we need to make sure that we get it just right. The sauce is easy to make. After cooking the chicken, use the same pan, and sauté the onions. Remember to wait until they are soft and translucent. Then, add garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, and paprika for an extra kick of spice. Stir the ingredients well and be careful not to burn them. Add tomato puree to the mixture and let it simmer on low heat, until the sauce thickens and the oil separates from the masala. This process can take approximately 10 minutes. Carry out a taste test. For it to be a deliciously spicy chicken tikka masala, it cannot be too sweet or sour. Adjust the seasoning if you need to.
And that’s it! Your flavoursome sauce is ready. Now, we can move on to the next step to complete the dish.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
With the chicken tikka and tomato-based sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together for a delicious and creamy chicken tikka masala. Gently add the cooked chicken tikka into the sauce, making sure to coat each piece well. Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the dish for a few more minutes.
To add a touch of creaminess and richness to the dish, pour in some cream and stir gently until it is fully incorporated into the sauce. Remember to keep the heat low to avoid separating the sauce.
With the chicken and sauce perfectly combined, your creamy chicken tikka masala is ready to be served! Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness. Serve with steamed rice or warm naan bread to complete the meal.
Serving and Garnishing
Finally, your delicious homemade chicken tikka masala is ready to be served! To add a pop of color and freshness, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves. This will also enhance the aroma of the spices and give it an authentic touch.
This luscious meal is best enjoyed with steaming hot basmati rice or warm naan bread. Their soft texture and subtle flavors perfectly complement the rich and creamy chicken tikka masala.
Healthier Twist: Making Chicken Tikka Masala Lighter
If you’re looking for a healthier version of chicken tikka masala, there are a few adjustments you can make. Firstly, use Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt for a lower-fat option. Greek yogurt contains less fat and more protein than regular yogurt and will still give the chicken the tangy flavor it needs.
To make the dish even lighter, you can reduce the amount of cream used or swap it for coconut milk. Coconut milk contains healthy fats that can improve your cholesterol levels and boost your immune system. It also gives the sauce a smooth and creamy texture, just like cream.
Did you know? Another way to make chicken tikka masala lighter is to use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are lower in fat and calories and are still just as delicious when cooked in the tikka masala spices.
Conclusion
Now you have learned how to make an easy chicken tikka masala recipe at home. With the perfect blend of spices, creamy tomato-based sauce, and juicy grilled chicken, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice levels and garnishes to create your perfect bowl of chicken tikka masala.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist on this classic dish, try substituting Greek yogurt for regular yogurt and reducing the amount of cream used. You can also swap it for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients and get cooking! Impress your family and friends with your restaurant-quality chicken tikka masala recipe.
Enjoy your homemade chicken tikka masala!
FAQ
Can I make chicken tikka masala without marinating the chicken?
Marinating the chicken is key to infusing it with flavor and tenderizing the meat. It is highly recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best results.
Can I substitute the tomato puree with fresh tomatoes?
While tomato puree gives the dish a rich and concentrated flavor, you can substitute it with fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Simply blend fresh tomatoes until smooth and use them as a replacement. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer to allow the sauce to thicken.
How can I make the chicken tikka masala less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version of chicken tikka masala, you can reduce the amount of spices or omit the spicy ingredients like paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or cream to the finished dish to help balance out the heat.
Can I make chicken tikka masala ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chicken tikka masala ahead of time. The flavors often develop and intensify when the dish is allowed to sit, so making it in advance can actually enhance the taste. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze chicken tikka masala?
Yes, chicken tikka masala can be frozen for future use. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
