Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala is a vibrant and aromatic North Indian dish that takes the traditional chicken tikka masala up a notch. Bursting with fresh herbs like coriander and mint, this creamy and flavorful chicken curry is marinated and cooked to perfection. The unique blend of spices, coupled with a delicious creamy gravy, makes this recipe a complete treat for your taste buds.
The word “Hariyali” means “green,” and it’s no surprise that this recipe’s star ingredients are fresh green herbs like coriander and mint. This not only adds a burst of color but also infuses the chicken with an incredibly aromatic, herby flavor that complements the warm spices in the dish.
Whether you serve it with soft garlic naan, buttery tawa parathas, or fragrant basmati rice, Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your meal. It pairs wonderfully with cool and tangy Burani Raita, a side of Saunf Aloo, and a helping of Dal Kebab for a truly satisfying and balanced meal.
Ingredients for Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (cut into small pieces) | 300 grams |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Amchur (dry mango powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh cream | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 cup |
| Fresh mint (Pudina) leaves | 1 cup |
| Green chili | 1 |
Instructions for Making Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala
-
Prepare the Herb Paste:
- Begin by grinding the fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, and green chili together in a mixer grinder to form a smooth paste. This green paste will provide the base for the marinade.
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground herb paste with the turmeric powder, garam masala powder, amchur powder, cumin powder, and curd (yogurt). Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and season with salt to taste. Mix everything together so that each piece of chicken is coated in the aromatic herb mixture. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and ensures it will be tender and flavorful.
-
Fry the Chicken:
- After an hour of marination, heat a heavy-bottomed pan (kadai) and add a small amount of oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring that they are not crowded. Fry the chicken until it is cooked through and becomes golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. This will take about 10-12 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
-
Cook the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add the remaining marinade (the herb and spice mix left after removing the chicken). Cook this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and develop deeper flavors. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
-
Finish the Gravy:
- Once the gravy has reduced, check the seasoning for salt and spice levels. If necessary, adjust with more salt or spices to suit your taste. Add the fresh cream to the pan and mix it in well. To achieve the right consistency for the gravy, you can add a little water at this stage. Let the gravy simmer for another 2 minutes.
-
Combine Chicken and Gravy:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces into the gravy and give everything a good stir, ensuring the chicken is coated in the creamy, spiced sauce. Allow it to simmer together for another 3-4 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the gravy.
-
Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully coated in the gravy and heated through, your Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala is ready to be served! Garnish with a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves for an added burst of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala hot with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:
- Tawa Paratha: A soft, flaky Indian flatbread that is perfect for dipping into the rich gravy of the chicken.
- Garlic Naan: Fluffy, buttery naan with a slight hint of garlic that complements the bold flavors of the dish.
- Burani Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish that helps balance the spices of the chicken curry.
- Saunf Aloo: Potatoes cooked with fennel seeds, providing a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.
- Dal Kebab: A lentil-based kebab that adds a vegetarian element to the meal and pairs well with the creamy tikka masala.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~10 grams |
| Fat | ~20 grams |
| Fiber | ~2 grams |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
Note: The nutritional values provided are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used.
Tips for Perfecting Your Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more green chilies or red chili powder to the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the green chili altogether.
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. If you have time, marinate the chicken for up to 3 hours or even overnight for the best results.
- Cream Variation: For a richer, more indulgent dish, you can substitute the fresh cream with heavy cream. This will result in an even creamier texture for the gravy.
- Use of Kasuri Methi: Adding a teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) towards the end of cooking can add a delightful herbal note to the dish, enhancing its flavor complexity.
Enjoy your Hariyali Chicken Tikka Masala – a flavorful, fragrant, and creamy delight that will transport you straight to the heart of India!
