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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4-5 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish featuring tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect served over fluffy basmati rice!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Tikka Marinade:

  • 600g/ 1.2lb chicken thigh (boneless, skinless), cut into 3cm / 2.2″ cubes
  • 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, full fat best (Greek is fine)
  • 6 cloves garlic , minced (~1.5 tbsp)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger , grated
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp each salt, cumin, ground coriander, paprika (sweet, normal or smokey)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Pinch black pepper
  • 2 tsp lemon juice

Cooking Chicken:

  • 12 tbsp oil

Curry Sauce Spices:

  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp coriander
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

Curry Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp (65ml) vegetable oil
  • 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter OR ghee
  • 1 onion, finely chopped (brown, white or yellow)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger , grated
  • 6 cloves garlic , crushed or grated
  • 1 tbsp paprika (not smoked)
  • 1 2/3 cups (400ml) tomato passata (tomato puree)
  • 1 2/3 cups (400ml) water
  • 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) cream
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter OR ghee

Instructions

  1. Chicken Tikka: Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl and mix. Add chicken and turn well to coat. Cover with cling wrap and leave in fridge to marinate overnight (3 hours minimum).
  2. Cooking Chicken: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over high heat. Cook chicken until charred.
  3. Sauce: Cook spices, onions, ginger, and garlic. Add tomato passata, water, and simmer. Puree sauce, add cream, sugar, butter, and chicken. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  • Chicken breast is not recommended for this recipe.
  • Garam Masala is a common Indian spice mix available in major supermarkets.
  • Use a high smoke point oil for cooking.
  • Blending the sauce is crucial for a silky texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg