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    Home » Recipes » Family Friendly Chicken Recipes

    Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Published: Jan 27, 2021 · Modified: Sep 13, 2024 by Hinz

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    One pan authentic chicken tikka masala recipe is easy to make with homemade tikka spices. This tikka masala's vibrant and luscious curry sauce is loaded with pan-fried chicken tikka chunks seared in a rich and creamy tomato curry sauce. Top this delicious dinner recipe over basmati rice or serve it with garlic naan and enjoy it with your family and friends.

    chicken tikka masala recipe
    Chicken Tikka Masala

    My family has a genuine affection for chicken, which motivates me to experiment with various recipes by adjusting the spices to uncover delightful new flavors. At the same time, I remain committed to preserving the authentic version of tikka masala, as it wonderfully bridges the culinary traditions of India and Britain.

    This meal is my preferred option for a cozy dining experience, and I find myself eager to make it time and again. It goes beyond merely appeasing my appetite; my family loves it, especially my son, who is an enthusiastic admirer of tikka.

    Jump to:
    • What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
    • Best Chicken Cut for Tikka
    • Ingredients For Chicken Tikka Masala
    • How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
    • Pro Tips
    • Watch Recipe
    • What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
    • Q & A
    • Explore More Tikka Recipes
    • Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

    I recently discovered that Chicken Tikka Masala is the national dish of UK. This beloved dish was created by Ali Ahmed Aslam, a chef of Pakistani origin, who operated the Shish Mehel restaurant in Glasgow. His remarkable recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala quickly gained popularity, and now people all around the globe are enjoying this damn delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish.

    The signature recipe of the tikka masala dish features a creamy yellow-orange curry that beautifully complements tender roasted chicken pieces. The recipe uses many of the same ingredients found in traditional Indian curry sauces, making it both easy and straightforward to make in your kitchen.

    Boneless pieces of chicken marinated with yogurt and spices, then pan-seared to get the signature tandoori flavor and gently cooked in a velvety homemade tikka curry paste create a dish that is utterly delicious, aromatic, and satisfying.

    I can assure you, that the enticing aroma of chicken tikka filled my home, making it nearly impossible to wait before diving in. You can count on the incredible taste of this chicken tikka masala to wow your guests. Don’t forget to serve it alongside some freshly made butter naan for an unbeatable meal experience.

    For a genuine flavor, incorporating BBQ chicken tikka into this recipe is ideal; however, since I'm preparing it at home, I'm opting for a skillet or pot, which offers a straightforward, effortless, and time-efficient alternative.

    According to Wikipedia, Tikka is a word from the Chaghatai language that is often paired with the Hindi-Urdu word masala, which has roots in Arabic. This combination of words comes from British English. The Chaghatai word tikka, on the other hand, is derived from the Common Turkic word Tikkü, signifying "piece" or "chunk."

    Best Chicken Cut for Tikka

    At the grocery store, you can purchase boneless, skinless chicken. I prefer to take breast cut because it is more tender and juicy, providing an ideal meaty flavor to the masala. While some prefer using thighs, they require a longer marination time. It’s best to cut the breast into two-inch pieces. Since we are cooking it in a pan, using smaller pieces will enhance the flavor when combined with the curry sauce.

    Chicken tikka masala enjoys global popularity and is a staple on the menus of nearly every Indian and Pakistani restaurant. The traditional version features charcoal-grilled chicken enveloped in a rich curry sauce. For those preparing it at home, achieving that signature roasted texture is simple; you can either roast the chicken in the oven or pan-fry it to perfection.

    tikka masala

    Ingredients For Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken: Used skinless and boneless chicken breast cut into 1.5-inch pieces, though chicken thighs can also be a suitable alternative.

    Oil: Canola or other vegetable oil is best for roasting the chicken in the skillet pan to prepare the masala.

    Ginger Garlic: Peel the fresh ginger garlic and blend to make a thick paste.

    Full Fat Yogurt: The chicken chunks were marinated in yogurt to enhance flavor and tenderness. Greek yogurt is the best option to use.

    Seasoning: Sea salt, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and black pepper. I prepare homemade tikka masala spice mix since I often cook tikka dishes, and it helps to save time in the kitchen.

    Tomato Paste/Puree: Peel the skin of tomatoes and blend it to make fresh tomato paste or substitute it with canned tomatoes to make rich red curry.

    Butter + Cream: To achieve a glossy finish on the chicken, butter and fresh cream were added, contributing a rich and creamy taste.

    Cilantro / Fresh Coriander: Finally the freshly chopped cilantro or coriander was used as a garnish to enhance the presentation.

    How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala

    Marinate the Chicken Pieces

    1. In a mixing bowl, add the chicken chunks.
    2. Add ginger garlic paste along with yogurt.
    3. Season the chicken marinade with, Kashmiri Red Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala Powder, and Black Pepper Powder.
    4. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. For optimal flavor, marinate overnight, but a minimum of 30 minutes is fine.

    How to make chicken tikka masala
    How to make chicken tikka masala

    Pan Roast the Chicken and Prepare Masala

    5. Heat oil in a pan and roast the marinated chicken pieces until they achieve a uniform roasted brown color. Then, take out all the pieces of chicken from the pan and keep aside.
    6. In the same pan, add sliced onions and sauté until they turn light brown. Then, add ginger and garlic and cook for a few minutes.
    7. Add all the spices (salt, red chili, turmeric, and coriander powder) and cook on medium heat to eliminate any raw spice aroma. Add a splash of water if necessary.
    8. Next, pour in the freshly made tomato paste and mix well over high heat.

    How to make chicken tikka masala step 2
    How to make chicken tikka masala step 2

    9. Once the tomato paste is well integrated into the curry and has a consistent texture, lower the heat and add fresh cream. Stir quickly to prevent curdling, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes until the curry reaches a smooth consistency.
    10. Add the roasted chicken tikka pieces to the masala and mix thoroughly.
    11. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
    12. After 10 minutes, check the chicken's tenderness with a spoon or fork. If it's tender, add butter and mix well over high heat.

    How to make chicken tikka masala step 3
    How to make chicken tikka masala step 3

    Finish by garnishing the dish with freshly chopped cilantro.
    Chicken tikka masala is now ready to be served!

    chicken tikka masala
    chicken tikka masala

    Pro Tips

    One of the most delightful aspects of preparing this incredibly delicious chicken tikka masala is that it requires just a few ingredients, easily found in local Pakistani and Indian grocery stores worldwide. Here are a few tips based on my best practices as I tested and perfected this recipe many times.

    • For the best flavor, it's ideal to marinate the chicken in tikka masala overnight; this allows the spices to deeply infuse the meat, resulting in a dish that is not only flavorful but also tender and juicy.
    • Roast the chicken in a nonstick or cast iron skillet pan. To keep the chicken soft and juicy, cook it at high heat to lock in its natural juices and moisture.
    • You can barbecue the chicken or roast it in the oven, depending on your preference.
    • Using homemade garam masala will enhance the taste of your chicken, making it even more authentic.
    • Ensure the onion is thoroughly blended into the curry for a smooth consistency.
    • When making a tomato paste, be sure to remove the skin; otherwise, the curry may end up with an undesirable texture.
    • It's best to avoid adding cream over high heat, as this can affect the final result.
    • After incorporating the cream, whisk it well to achieve a creamy and uniform texture in your curry. Avoid adding cream at high heat.
    • Lastly, selecting the right pot or skillet pan for cooking the masala can significantly enhance both the appearance and flavor of your dish. I love to use cast-iron skillet pan to make it.

    Watch Recipe

    I can't explain it, but I feel so happy whenever make this chicken tikka masala recipe. The rich, creamy texture of the tikka curry always makes me want more. It's a tasty, simple, and fast one-pot dinner option for food lovers to try at home. Check out this step-by-step video recipe that you can follow in your kitchen. If you're a beginner and want to learn how to make this quick one-pan tikka masala, be sure to watch this short tutorial.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe [Video]
    Hinz cooking channel

    What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?

    Here are a few ideas to make a serving platter of chicken tikka masala:

    Naan or Flatbread: I love pairing with, garlic naan, tandoori roti, or butter naan makes a perfect taste. Alternatively, make a serving with Turkish Bazmala flatbread.

    Rice: Garlic butter rice or basmati rice makes a perfect combo.

    Salad: Chickpea salad, or simple vegetable salad is a great addition to make it a complete meal. I recently tried to pair it with honey butter skillet corn, and everyone loved it.

    Snacks: If you are making for get-together then make some appetizers to serve as a side and Chicken 65, Pakora, roasted potatoes, and potato cutlet are great options.

    Phirni or caramel custard is great to serve as a dessert.

    • A close look of homemade garlic naan brown background
      Easy Homemade Garlic Naan (Without Yeast)
    • chicken tikka masala served with rice in a white platter.
      Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
    • garlic butter rice in big platter white background
      Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

    Q & A

    Chicken tikka masala is Indian or British?

    Chicken tikka masala is an Indian-inspired version of butter chicken. This recipe is also famous in Britain and is considered the national dish of the UK. Indian chicken tikka masala features the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh tomatoes, while the British version has a strong umami taste from canned tomatoes in the curry sauce.

    Is chicken tikka masala spicy?

    Yes, it is spicy. The main ingredient for the heat is Kashmiri red chili powder. To reduce the spice, you can use paprika, or if you want it spicier, add cayenne peppers.

    Is Masala a Curry?

    Yes, masala is a form of curry/gravy. As it's a curry so it's loaded with gravy. Masala is prepared using onion, ginger garlic, tomato paste, and cream with the seasoning of local spices like red chili, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

    Difference between Chicken tikka masala and butter chicken?

    Butter chicken is creamier, shinier, and milder than chicken tikka masala. Both are top curries. Both are king of curries.

    How to make chicken tikka masala with coconut milk?

    A true chicken tikka masala recipe uses heavy cream, but you can swap it for coconut milk. I tried this once, and it tasted great. Just follow the same recipe and use coconut milk instead of cream. It will still have a rich, creamy, and smooth texture. The taste will be slightly different, but you will enjoy it.

    Explore More Tikka Recipes

    Chicken Tikka Biryani | Tandoori Chicken | Chicken Tikka |
    Steam Chicken | Shish Tawook | Murgh Tikka Masala | Tikka Masala Spice Mix

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    Share this recipe of chicken tikka masala with your family and friends. It would be great if you leave your feedback in the comment box. If you make this recipe at home then share a picture with the hashtag #hinzcooking

    chicken tikka masala served with rice in a white platter.
    Print Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    One pan authentic chicken tikka masala recipe is easy to make with homemade tikka spices. This tikka masala's vibrant and luscious curry sauce is loaded with pan-fried chicken tikka chunks seared in a rich and creamy tomato curry sauce. Top this delicious dinner recipe over basmati rice or serve it with garlic naan and enjoy it with your family and friends.
    Course curry, Main Course
    Cuisine Indian, Pakistani
    Keyword chicken tikka masala, chicken tikka masala recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes minutes
    Servings 3 Persons
    Calories 489kcal

    Equipment

    • Pan

    Ingredients

    Chicken Marinade

    • 550 g Chicken Skinless and boneless, 2 inches cut
    • 1 cup Yogurt
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
    • 1 tablespoon Oil

    Masala Curry

    • 1 tablespoon Oil
    • Onion chopped – 1 Medium Size
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Coriander Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
    • 1 cup Tomato Paste
    • 2 teaspoon Butter
    • 1 cup Fresh Cream
    • Cilantro / Fresh Coriander For garnishing

    Instructions

    Marinate Chicken Pieces

    • In a mixing bowl, add the chicken chunks along with ginger garlic paste and yogurt.
    • Season the chicken marinade with, Kashmiri Red Chili Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala Powder, and Black Pepper Powder.
    • Combine all the ingredients thoroughly and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. For optimal flavor, marinate overnight, but a minimum of 30 minutes is fine.

    Roast the Marinated Chicken

    • Heat oil in a pan and roast the marinated chicken pieces until they achieve a uniform roasted brown color. Then, take out all the pieces of chicken from the pan and keep aside.
    • In the same pan, add sliced onions and sauté until they turn light brown. Then, add ginger and garlic and cook for a few minutes.
    • Add all the spices (salt, red chili, turmeric, and coriander powder) and cook on medium heat to eliminate any raw spice aroma. Add a splash of water if necessary.
    • Next, pour in the freshly made tomato paste and mix well over high heat.
    • Once the tomato paste is well integrated into the curry and has a consistent texture, lower the heat and add fresh cream. Stir quickly to prevent curdling, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes until the curry reaches a smooth consistency.

    Assemble Tikka Chicken in Masala

    • Add the roasted chicken tikka pieces to the masala curry and mix thoroughly.
    • Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.12.
    • After 10 minutes, check the chicken's tenderness with a spoon or fork. If it's tender, add butter and mix well over high heat.
    • Finish the recipe with a garnish of freshly chopped cilantro.
    • Now the chicken tikka masala is ready to serve!

    Video

    Notes

    • For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in tikka masala the night before. This allows the spices to soak in, making the chicken tastier, more tender, and juicier.
    • Roast the chicken over high heat to achieve a nice color, ensuring it doesn’t release water while cooking. You can also BBQ the chicken or roast it in the oven.
    • Using homemade garam masala is recommended for better taste.
    • Blend the onion well in the curry, and remember to remove the tomato skin when making the paste for a smoother texture.
    • Avoid adding cream over high heat. Once you add the cream, whisk it well to create a creamy, uniform curry.
    • Choose the right pot or skillet for cooking the masala, as it can greatly enhance the appearance and flavor.
    • If you prefer a spicier chicken tikka masala, increase the red chili powder in both the marinade and the curry.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 489kcal

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hinz

      January 27, 2021 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      One pan chicken tikka masala recipe. Easy dinner idea for foodies to try at home ♥♥♥

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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