How to Make Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish consisting of grilled chunks of marinated chicken (tikka) cooked in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce (masala). The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, including garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, imparting a rich and aromatic flavor.

In This Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Here’s a simplified recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala that you can easily prepare at home:

Ingredients to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

For the Chicken Tikka:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, ginger paste, garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for the flavors to develop.
2. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using a grill, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. If using an oven, arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the masala sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger paste, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the masala sauce along with the heavy cream or coconut milk. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
8. Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot with rice or naan bread. Enjoy your homemade Indian feast!

Preparation Time of Chicken Tikka Masala

• Marinating the chicken: 1 hour (or overnight)
• Preparing the masala sauce: 15 minutes
• Total preparation time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (not including marinating time)

Cooking Time of Chicken Tikka Masala

• Grilling or baking the chicken: 20-25 minutes
• Cooking the masala sauce: 15 minutes
• Simmering with sauce: 5-10 minutes
• Total cooking time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
• Fat: Approximately 25-30g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-4g
• Sodium: Varies depending on salt content; aim for around 500-700mg per serving

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as ingredient brands, portion sizes, and specific cooking methods. Adjustments may be needed based on individual dietary needs and preferences.