Authentic Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup plain yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 200ml cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the yoghurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), minced garlic and ginger. Mix well.
  2. Add the chicken chunks into the bowl and ensure they are well covered with the marinade. Leave to marinate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight in the fridge.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.
  4. Add the marinated chicken (discard the remaining marinade) to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes and sugar to the pan, stir well, cover and let it simmer for around 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in the cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. Chicken Tikka Masala is best served with basmati rice or naan bread.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - to chop the onion and chicken
  • Knife - for cutting the chicken and onion
  • Mixing bowl - to combine the marinade ingredients
  • Spatula - for stirring and flipping the chicken in the pan
  • Large pan - for cooking the chicken tikka masala
  • Measuring spoons - to measure the spices and lemon juice accurately
  • Grater - for grating fresh ginger
  • Can opener - to open the can of diced tomatoes
  • Serving platter - for presenting the finished chicken tikka masala

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.
  • Spicier Version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies for an extra kick.
  • Healthier Option: Use Greek yoghurt instead of regular yoghurt to reduce the fat content.
  • Creamy Coconut Twist: Replace the cream with coconut milk for a rich and creamy coconut-flavored tikka masala.
  • Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky twist.
  • Herbaceous Variation: Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or curry leaves to the sauce for added freshness and aroma.
  • Grilled Tikka Masala: Marinate and grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the pan for a smoky and charred flavor.
  • Butter Chicken Style: Finish the dish with a tablespoon of butter for a rich and velvety texture.
  • Vegetable Tikka Masala: Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or peas to make it a vegetable tikka masala.

Recipe overview

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy sauce. This recipe combines juicy chunks of chicken marinated in yoghurt and a blend of Indian spices, then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It's finished off with heavy cream for an extra touch of richness. Preparing this dish involves marinating the chicken for at least an hour, but for best results, marinating it overnight is recommended. Then, the chicken is cooked along with the sauce until it's tender and full of flavor. The final step is to stir in the cream and garnish with cilantro. This dish is best served with basmati rice or naan bread, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Expect a deep, aromatic flavor profile – a blend of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes – that will definitely have you coming back for seconds!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
  2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight? While marinating the chicken overnight is preferred for maximum flavor, you can marinate it for at least 1 hour if you're short on time.
  3. Can I use Greek yoghurt instead of plain yoghurt? Yes, you can use Greek yoghurt as a substitute for plain yoghurt in this recipe.
  4. Is cayenne pepper necessary? No, cayenne pepper is optional. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit it or reduce the amount according to your taste.
  5. Can I use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute for diced tomatoes in this recipe.
  6. What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala? Chicken Tikka Masala pairs well with basmati rice, naan bread, or even roti.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Despite its name, Chicken Tikka Masala, a beloved dish known for its rich and creamy tomato sauce, did not originate from India as one might assume. Instead, it is said to have been born in Glasgow, Scotland. The story goes that in the 1970s, a customer at a Bangladeshi-owned Indian restaurant complained about his chicken tikka being too dry. To appease the customer, the chef tossed in some tomato soup, spices and a dollop of yogurt, and thus, Chicken Tikka Masala was created. This fusion of Indian flavors with a British twist quickly gained popularity, and today, it is one of the UK's most popular dishes. Whether this tale of its origin is true or not, it is indisputable that Chicken Tikka Masala is a testament to the delicious outcomes of culinary innovation and the blending of different food cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.