Chicken Tikka Masala
Table of Contents
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of spices simmering in my kitchen. It transports me back to those cherished days of childhood when the house would fill with the tantalizing scent of home-cooked meals, drawing everyone together. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that embodies this heartwarming nostalgia: Chicken Tikka Masala. This dish has been a family favorite for generations, and I’m sure it will find a special place in your heart and home too.
Imagine a dish that wraps you in comfort like a favorite blanket. Chicken Tikka Masala does just that. It offers a rich tapestry of flavors with a creamy tomato sauce, tender marinated chicken, and a fragrant blend of spices. Not only is it an absolute delight to the taste buds, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity to gather your family around the table, sharing laughter and stories as you dip warm naan into the luscious sauce.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why it deserves a spot on your table:
Nostalgic Comfort: This dish brings the soothing familiarity of a homemade meal, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy kitchen moments. The experience of cooking and eating Chicken Tikka Masala is like embracing tradition and warmth, a reminder of simpler times filled with love and laughter.
Flavorful Feast: The combination of spices creates a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, making every bite a delightful adventure. The blend of ginger, garlic, and garam masala creates a complex profile that is both savory and slightly tangy, effortlessly capturing the essence of Indian cuisine.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items—most ingredients are everyday staples that come together to create something extraordinary. This accessibility makes the dish practical for cooks of all levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs, empowering you to create a rich, aromatic delight with ease.
Versatile Delight: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe fits seamlessly into any occasion, adding a touch of elegance and comfort. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it a showstopper at any gathering.
Heartfelt Connection: Cooking this dish is a beautiful way to bond with loved ones, creating lasting memories as you share in the joy of a delicious, homemade meal. The shared experience of preparing and enjoying Chicken Tikka Masala can strengthen family ties and forge new friendships.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Creating Chicken Tikka Masala in your own kitchen doesn’t require a chef’s arsenal of gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken. Using a wide bowl ensures that the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade, absorbing the flavors thoroughly.
- A large skillet or cast iron pan for cooking the chicken and sauce. A heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the sauce from sticking and burning.
- A whisk for mixing the marinade. This tool ensures all the spices are well integrated into the yogurt, creating a smooth and consistent marinade.
- A sharp knife for dicing the chicken and onion. A precise cut ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the onions blend seamlessly into the sauce.
- A wooden spoon for stirring the sauce. Wooden spoons are gentle on your cookware and ideal for stirring curries, helping to maintain the texture of the chicken pieces.
With these simple tools, you’re well-equipped to bring this delightful dish to life in your own kitchen.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt: Yogurt tenderizes the chicken while adding creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright acidity to balance the spices.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: A staple in Indian cooking, it provides a complex spice blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (not cayenne pepper): Adds a mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty freshness.
- 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic: Infuses the marinade with aromatic depth.
- 1 & 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces: Ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil for cooking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and depth.
- 1 large sweet onion, finely diced: Provides sweetness and body to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger: Continues the aromatic theme.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced: Ensures a well-rounded flavor.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar: Balances the tomato’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds citrusy undertones.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Deepens the earthy notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala: Reinforces the spice profile.
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce (unseasoned): The base for the sauce.
- 1 & 1/4 cups heavy cream: Adds creaminess and body.
- 1/4 cup water, only if needed: Adjusts sauce consistency.
For Serving
- Cooked basmati rice: A fragrant accompaniment.
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish: Adds freshness and color.
- Naan bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade; add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 1 hour (ideally overnight in the fridge, if time permits). This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.
Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken pieces in batches, if necessary, making sure not to crowd the pan. Let them fry, untouched, for 1 minute to develop a crust, then sauté until browned for about 5 more minutes. Set aside and keep warm. Browning the chicken enhances its taste and texture, adding a layer of flavor to the dish.
Melt the butter in the same pan. Sauté the onions until soft (about 3 minutes) while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. Add ginger and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. These bits add depth to the sauce, ensuring no flavor is wasted.
Add in the brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Stir occasionally for about 15 seconds until fragrant. This step blooms the spices, releasing their essential oils and intensifying their flavors.
Pour in the tomato sauce; let simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and becomes deeper in color. This process reduces the sauce, concentrating its flavors.
Stir in the cream until incorporated. The cream smooths out the sauce, providing a luxurious texture.
Add the partially cooked chicken along with its juices back to the pan; cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling. Pour in the water to thin out the sauce, only if necessary. This final simmer melds all the flavors together, ensuring the chicken is juicy and tender.
Serve over cooked basmati rice, with Naan bread, and garnish with chopped cilantro. The cilantro adds a fresh contrast, enhancing the dish’s visual appeal and flavor.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Indian • Preparation Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 30 minutes • Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes • Calories: 450 • Servings: 4
Note: For a spicier kick, adjust the red chili powder to taste. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added layer of heat.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Chicken Tikka Masala not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also brings its own health benefits to the table:
- Yogurt: Provides a creamy texture while offering probiotics that aid in digestion, promoting a healthy gut.
- Ginger and Garlic: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, these add a zesty punch to the dish, boosting immunity and overall health.
- Cumin and Coriander: These spices are rich in antioxidants, contributing to the dish’s earthy and warm flavors while supporting metabolic health.
- Tomato Sauce: A great source of vitamin C and lycopene, which supports heart health and provides a dose of antioxidants.
- Cilantro: Offers a fresh, vibrant finish while being a good source of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Chicken Tikka Masala pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some delightful options:
- Classic Basmati Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, it absorbs the sauce perfectly, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Naan Bread: Soft and chewy, ideal for scooping up every last bit of the delicious sauce, naan adds a comforting, hearty element to the meal.
- Cucumber Raita: A cool, refreshing yogurt-based side that balances the spices, this dish provides a cooling counterpoint to the warmth of the masala.
These pairings create a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy and bring smiles to the table.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and enjoy them:
Storage: Allow the Chicken Tikka Masala to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portion-sized containers for up to a month.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Creative Leftovers: Use the leftovers to make a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala wrap with warm naan or a hearty sandwich with crusty bread. You can also toss it with pasta for an unconventional twist.
There’s something truly special about enjoying a homemade meal that brings back memories and creates new ones. Chicken Tikka Masala is just that kind of dish—a reminder of the warmth and love that fills a kitchen when we cook for those we care about. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade; add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 1 hour (ideally overnight in the fridge, if time permits.)
- Warm oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken pieces in batches, if necessary, making sure not to crowd the pan. Let them fry, untouched, for 1 minute to develop a crust, then saute until browned for about 5 more minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
- Melt the butter in the same pan. Saute the onions until soft (about 3 minutes) while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. Add ginger and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add in the brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Stir occasionally for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce; let simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and becomes deeper in color.
- Stir in the cream until incorporated.
- Add the partially cooked chicken along with its juices back to the pan; cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling. Pour in the water to thin out the sauce, only if necessary.
- Serve over cooked basmati rice, with Naan bread, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
