Chicken Tikka Masalarecipe

Chicken Tikka Masala stands out as a crown jewel among all chicken curries. The enticing fusion of smoky grilled chicken and rich Indian tomato sauce elevates this dish beyond any takeout menu’s offerings. This beloved recipe has won over my heart, and I’m thrilled to share it with you after having perfected it over the years. As a Pakistani cook who’s been experimenting with Indian recipes since my teenage years, I stumbled upon Chicken Tikka Masala after getting married.

It quickly became a family favorite, earning rave reviews from my husband whenever I whipped up a batch for special occasions. In recent months, I’ve been sharing a series of chicken recipes on Instagram and the blog, including Chicken Korma, Butter Chicken, Chicken Karahi, and White Chicken Korma. However, it’s this iconic Chicken Tikka Masala that still holds a special place in my heart. So, let me guide you through the process of infusing flavors to make this dish truly unforgettable.

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Why Will You Love Chicken Tikka Masala?

The allure of Chicken Tikka Masala lies in its unique smoky flavor, achieved by grilling the chicken rather than frying it, resulting in a taste that surpasses even the most savory fried chicken. The dish’s rich gravy, infused with the bold flavors of traditional Indian spices and aromatics, is further enhanced by the subtle hint of coal smoke, elevating the overall culinary experience. One of the greatest advantages of Chicken Tikka Masala is its ease of preparation.

Marinate a chicken, wait 20 minutes, and you’re ready to serve a flavorful meal that’s sure to please. The dish’s succulent chicken bites are also a highlight, made possible by the combination of yogurt and lemon in the marinade, which ensures juicy and tender results.

Chicken Tikka Masala Background

While the roots of Chicken Tikka Masala can be traced back to Indian cuisine, its origins are surprisingly tied to an Indian restaurant in the UK. From there, it made its way back to India and has since become one of the most beloved chicken dishes in Britain today. It’s a staple on menus across Pakistani restaurants as well.

In traditional settings, Chicken Tikka Masala is crafted using the ‘Tandoor’ method, where marinated chicken is char-grilled to perfection before being simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. However, don’t worry if you don’t have access to a tandoor or grill – with some simple adjustments, you can still create a mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala using your everyday pan.

In fact, I’ve successfully replicated this recipe without the need for grilling or tandoor techniques, and the result is remarkably similar to what you’d find in a restaurant.

Difference Between Chicken Tikka Masala & Butter Chicken

Two beloved Indian dishes, Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala, have sparked a lively debate among food enthusiasts. The discourse centers around the distinct characteristics of each dish’s gravy, with Chicken Tikka Masala boasting a spicy and tangy profile, while Butter Chicken presents a rich, creamy, and velvety texture. For those seeking a more umami-rich experience reminiscent of traditional chicken gravy, Butter Chicken is the clear choice.

Conversely, fans of bold, zesty flavors will find Chicken Tikka Masala to be the perfect catalyst for a culinary adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

Let’s Make The Chicken Tikka Masala

Conversely, fans of bold, zesty flavors will find Chicken Tikka Masala to be the perfect catalyst for a culinary adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

Marination

To begin, combine the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and add all the ingredients required for marination. The necessary components are: 700g of chicken, 4 teaspoons of yogurt, 1/3 teaspoon each of red chili flakes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger powder, coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste, and finally, 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Allow the mixture to rest for approximately 30-40 minutes.

Grill The Chicken

To achieve that chargrilled flavor without an actual grill, I recommend pan-frying your chicken. Start by heating two tablespoons of oil in a pan over high heat until it’s almost smoking. Next, add the chicken and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the marinade darkens. Flip the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Make The Tomato Sauce

As you continue cooking this dish, heat another pan with oil over medium heat. Once hot, sauté the onion until it reaches a golden brown color. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Next, add the garlic paste to infuse the gravy with its aromatic properties and stir well for about 2 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together nicely. The next step is to add the tomatoes and ground spices to achieve the right consistency. I’m adding 1/3 cup of water.

Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. After this, stir in the yogurt and let the mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes as you’re doing so, be sure to stir every now and then to prevent any scorching or sticking. The end result will be a rich and creamy gravy that complements the dish perfectly.

Adding Chicken In The Gravy

Combining the cooked chicken with the rich tomato-onion sauce is a crucial step in bringing out the full flavor potential. To achieve this, carefully add the cooked chicken to the sauce and thoroughly stir it to ensure the bold flavors of the tomatoes and onions are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Garnishing:

As a finishing touch, add a pop of color to your dish by sprinkling some sliced green chilies on top. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice will further elevate the flavors, balancing out the spiciness from the chilies.

Introduce The Coal Flavor

To infuse the pan with a rich coal flavor, start by inserting a spoon into the pan. Next, heat the coal on your stovetop until it reaches an excessively high temperature. Using tongs, carefully place the scorching hot coal onto the spoon and drizzle a few drops of oil over its surface. Immediately secure the lid in place and allow it to remain closed for several minutes before shutting off the stove.

Some Tips To Make Chicken Tikka Masala Special

When cooking with chicken, it’s generally recommended to opt for smaller pieces as they tend to become softer and more juicy in a shorter amount of time. This is especially true when you’re looking to achieve that perfect grilled-like texture. In terms of the marinade, yogurt plays a crucial role not only in adding a creamy element to your sauce, but also in helping to tenderize the chicken pieces themselves.

A thick coat of marinade is essential for achieving the best results, and it’s worth noting that you can also use this same marinade as a base for your tomato and onion sauce. Speaking of which, yogurt is once again a key component here, as it helps to add volume and a silky smooth texture to your sauce. And let’s not forget about the all-important secret ingredient: chicken Tikka masala.

This unique blend can be found at most grocery stores and is the perfect way to give your dish that authentic takeout flavor. Finally, when it comes to cooking the chicken itself, a non-stick pan is essential for achieving that ideal grilled texture. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly exceptional Chicken Tikka masala at home.

Serving Tips

When it comes to enjoying Chicken Tikka Masala, traditional Indian accompaniments such as naan, Tandoori roti, or Basmati rice are excellent choices. However, don’t overlook the importance of including cooling side dishes like cucumber salad, raita, pickles, or mint chutney to balance out the rich flavors. Additionally, I’m a big fan of incorporating Chicken Tikka Masala into Paratha rolls for a flavorful twist.