Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world. Known for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender, spiced chicken pieces, it represents a beautiful fusion of Indian and British culinary traditions. The origins of Chicken Tikka Masala are somewhat debated, but it is widely accepted as a dish that emerged from Indian cuisine, adapted to suit British tastes.
Ingredients :
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need for preparing this delectable dish. For the Chicken Marinade
- 500g boneless chicken pieces (preferably thigh or breast)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- Salt to taste
For the Tikka Masala Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 400g can of diced tomatoes or 4 large fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
The marinade process is crucial as it infuses the chicken with layers of flavor and tenderizes the meat.
1. Prepare the marinade:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, chili powder, garlic, ginger, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl. For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
You can grill, broil, or pan-fry the chicken.
2. Grill or broil the chicken:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers for grilling, or place them directly on a grill tray.
- Grill or broil for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Preparing the Tikka Masala Sauce
3. Cook the onions, garlic, and ginger:- Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the spices:
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and stir well. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until thickened.
6. Finish the sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and optional sugar. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Combining Chicken and Sauce
7. Combine and simmer:
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
8. Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.
Tips and Variations
1. Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.2. Adjust spice levels as desired.
3. Add vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for variety.
4. Use Greek yogurt for the marinade or light cream for a healthier option.
5. Serve with raita or a fresh salad for balance.
History and Origin
Chicken Tikka Masala likely originated from Indian chefs in Britain, blending traditional tikka with a creamy tomato-based sauce to suit British tastes.