Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Easy Indian Dish

Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish synonymous with British Indian cuisine, is more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey. Its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce clings beautifully to tender, marinated chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Fragrant spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala dance on the palate, complemented by the subtle sweetness of tomatoes and a hint of warming chili. This seemingly complex dish is surprisingly accessible, even for home cooks new to Indian cooking. Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; our recipe simplifies the process while maintaining the authentic taste you crave.

This classic recipe boasts a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and adaptable to your spice preferences. Ready to embark on this delicious culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you towards creating your own perfect Chicken Tikka Masala.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Spatula

Ingredients

  • Chicken Tikka
  • Onions: chopped
  • Oil
  • Butter
  • Ginger garlic paste
  • Salt
  • Kasuri Methi
  • Red chili paste
  • Turmeric powder: a pinch
  • Coriander powder
  • Cumin powder
  • Tomatoes: chopped
  • Water
  • Chicken stock (optional)
  • Tomato puree
  • Honey: a bit
  • Cashew paste
  • Capsicum (optional): chunky
  • Basmati rice or Pulav
  • Cream (single cream)
  • Freshly chopped coriander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Sauce Base

  • Sauté chopped onions in oil and butter until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw taste is gone. Add salt to extract flavors.
  • Add Kasuri Methi, red chili paste, turmeric, coriander, and cumin powder. Cook slightly to remove rawness.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and mash them into the gravy. Add water or chicken stock for flavor.
  • Simmer for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes are dissolved. Add tomato puree for smoother texture.
Sauté chopped onions in oil and butter until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw taste is gone. Add salt to extract flavors.Add Kasuri Methi, red chili paste, turmeric, coriander, and cumin powder. Cook slightly to remove rawness.Add chopped tomatoes and mash them into the gravy. Add water or chicken stock for flavor.Simmer for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes are dissolved. Add tomato puree for smoother texture.
Prepare the Sauce Base
  • Add a bit of honey to reduce the tartness of tomatoes. Add cashew paste for richness.
Add a bit of honey to reduce the tartness of tomatoes. Add cashew paste for richness.
Prepare the Sauce Base

Step 2. Add Chicken and Vegetables

  • Add chunky tomatoes and capsicum (optional). Ensure the gravy is thick and rich.
  • Add chicken tikka and any pre-cooked vegetables. Simmer until heated through.
Add chunky tomatoes and capsicum (optional). Ensure the gravy is thick and rich.Add chicken tikka and any pre-cooked vegetables. Simmer until heated through.
Add Chicken and Vegetables

Step 3. Finish and Thicken the Sauce

  • Adjust gravy consistency by adding water if needed. Bring to a boil, add salt, and cream for richness.
Adjust gravy consistency by adding water if needed. Bring to a boil, add salt, and cream for richness.
Finish and Thicken the Sauce

Step 4. Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a dollop of butter.
  • Serve hot with basmati rice or pulao.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander and a dollop of butter.Serve hot with basmati rice or pulao.
Garnish and Serve

Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe

Tips

  • Salt helps draw out water and speeds up onion cooking.
  • Using chicken stock instead of water enhances the flavor.
  • Tomato puree adds body to the gravy.
  • Cashew paste contributes to the richness of the gravy.
  • You can adjust the gravy thickness by adding water.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600-700
  • Fat: 35-45g
  • Carbs: 50-60g
  • Protein: 30-40g

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs will result in a juicier, more tender Chicken Tikka Masala.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, slightly sweeter flavor, or plain yogurt for a tangier result.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more chili powder or a few finely chopped chilies to the marinade and/or sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.


There you have it – your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala, bursting with flavor and ready to impress. This recipe proves that creating authentic-tasting Indian food doesn't require years of experience or a complicated process. Now, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!