Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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marinating (optional)
30 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
2 servings
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Calories
455 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Description
Chicken pieces are first coated in a marinade of yogurt combined with ground coriander, cumin, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, red chili powder, garlic, and ginger. The marinade tenderizes the chicken and builds deep layers of flavor. Heating butter in a pan, onion is sautéed until soft, then bay leaf and diced tomato are added to develop the curry base. Tomato sauce and cream create a smooth texture, joined by water or broth to adjust consistency. Once the tomato softens, the marinated chicken is stirred in and cooked through in this sauce, allowing flavors to meld.
The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro, offering a fresh herbal note contrasting with the rich, spiced sauce. It is suitable to serve with rice, naan, or flatbreads. The use of homemade ginger and garlic paste enhances purity and flavor depth compared to store-bought options, as noted.
Marinating duration improves flavor, but even short marination will benefit the dish. The recipe balances spices without overwhelming heat, making the curry flavorful and aromatic rather than aggressively spicy.
Ingredients
For the marination:
- 10.6 Ounces chicken cut into cubes, boneless
- ⅛ Cup yogurt
- 1 Teaspoon coriander seeds ground
- 1 Teaspoon cumin seeds whole
- ¼ Teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 Teaspoon Turmeric ground
- ½ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon red chili pepper or Cayenne Pepper Powder
- 1 Tablespoon ginger see Notes for options
- 1 Tablespoon garlic see Notes for options
For the curry cooking:
- 2 Tablespoons butter or Clarified Butter
- 1 onion choped
- 1 Piece bay leaf
- 1 tomato diced
- 5 Tablespoon tomato sauce unflavored
- 3 ½ Tablespoons table cream or Heavy Cream
- ½ Cup water or Broth for extra flavor
- To Taste salt optional
- cilantro fresh, to top
Instructions
- For the marination, place chicken cubes into a large bowl.
- Add in the yogurt, coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, black pepper powder, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper powder/cayenne powder, and ginger garlic.
- Mix everything well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the marination. The longer you keep it marinate the better for the flavor, however, if you are in a hurry just marinate it as long as you can spare time and then continue with the preparation.
- For the cooking process, heat a deep pan and add the butter. Add in the onion and cook soft.
- Add a piece of bay leaf to the pan and let it cook for a minute. This will bring out the bay leaf flavors.
- Throw in the diced tomato and stir cook until a bit soft. Don't let them burn on.
- Add in your tomato sauce with the cream and mix the whole pan contents well. Pour in the water, mix again, cover and let it cook until the tomato has softened considerably.
- Now you can add in the chicken with the marination, and the water and salt. Mix it all well!
- Cover and cook on medium heat until chicken is soft.
- Pick out and discard bay leaf.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro (aka coriander)
Notes
- Prepare homemade ginger and garlic paste for better flavor and purity, or use store-bought for convenience.
- Marinate chicken as long as possible to improve infusion of flavors in the meat.
- Serve the finished curry with rice or flatbread to complement the rich sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 455 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 455kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 164mg | 55% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 1274mg | 27% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1980IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 26.2mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 93mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3.3mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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