Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
A globally cherished dish, Chicken Tikka Masala offers a blend of creamy, spiced, and aromatic flavors. This recipe brings the essence of authentic North Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Paired perfectly with buttery naan or fragrant basmati rice, it’s an irresistible comfort food, making it a favorite for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for both marination and the tikka masala gravy:
| Part | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tikka (Marination) | Chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces | 300 grams |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup | |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon | |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 inch | |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves | |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon | |
| Salt | As required | |
| Gravy | Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Tomato, chopped | 1 medium | |
| Cashew nuts | 5 pieces | |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon | |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon | |
| Cloves (Laung) | 1 piece | |
| Cinnamon powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Fresh cream | 1/2 cup | |
| Butter (unsalted) | 1 tablespoon | |
| Sunflower Oil | As required | |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
This recipe balances proteins and fats, making it a satisfying main dish.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~26 grams |
| Fat | ~18 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~8 grams |
| Fiber | ~2 grams |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step guide to make Chicken Tikka Masala with ease.
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, ginger, garlic, red chili powder, Kasuri methi, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they’re coated well.
- Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for deeper flavors).
2. Cooking the Marinated Chicken
- Heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil in a non-stick pan.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan, cooking them on medium heat for about 8 minutes, until they’re tender and juicy.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery. Set aside.
3. Preparing the Tikka Masala Gravy
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until soft.
- Toss in the cashews and sauté for another minute.
- Turn off the heat and let this mixture cool.
- Once cool, grind the mixture into a smooth paste.
4. Making the Final Gravy
- In a kadai (wok), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the cloves, cinnamon powder, and cardamom powder. Sauté until aromatic.
- Stir in the cumin powder and coriander powder, ensuring they’re well combined.
- Pour in the onion-tomato-cashew puree and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the oil separates.
- Crush Kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it into the gravy for enhanced flavor.
5. Bringing it All Together
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy. Mix well.
- Pour in the fresh cream, stirring gently to incorporate it into the masala.
- Simmer the chicken tikka masala for 5 minutes. Adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent Chicken Tikka Masala with:
- Butter Garlic Naan: A fluffy, garlic-infused flatbread.
- Jeera Rice: Fragrant cumin rice for a wholesome pairing.
- Pickled Onions: Add tangy crunch for a complete dining experience.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala
- Marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances its tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Cooking Time: Avoid over
