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| Chicken Tikka Masala |
Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Rich, Creamy & Flavor-Packed
What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a British-Indian fusion dish made by marinating chunks of chicken in yogurt and spices, grilling or pan-searing them, and then simmering in a rich tomato-cream sauce flavored with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and chili.
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For the Chicken Marinade:
500g (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or ½ tbsp each grated ginger & minced garlic)
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika for less heat)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon salt
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For the Masala Sauce:
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon turmeric
1–2 teaspoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
1½ cups tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
¾ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
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How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala – Step-by-Step
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Grill, broil, or pan-fry the marinated chicken until charred and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side).
Set aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked inside—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Make the Masala Sauce
In a large skillet or pan, heat oil and butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown (about 8–10 minutes).
Stir in ginger garlic paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Spices
Add coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder.
Stir constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
5. Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Pour in the tomato purée and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and darkens in color.
Stir in sugar and season with salt to taste.
6. Add Cream and Chicken
Lower the heat and stir in the cream.
Add the grilled chicken pieces and simmer for another 8–10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
7. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
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What to Serve with Chicken Tikka Masala
Basmati rice – Light and fluffy rice perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
Garlic naan – Ideal for scooping up the flavorful curry.
Cucumber raita – A cool yogurt-based side to balance the heat.
Pickled onions or mango chutney – Add zing and sweetness.
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Final Thoughts: Make Chicken Tikka Masala Tonight!
Rich, creamy, and full of bold Indian flavors, Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that’s sure to impress. With this recipe, you can recreate your favorite Indian restaurant experience at home—fresh, fragrant, and made exactly how you like it.
Whether you serve it over rice or with buttery naan, one bite and you'll understand why Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the world’s most beloved curries.
So roll up your sleeves, marinate that chicken, and get ready to enjoy a meal you’ll crave again and again!
