Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth and comfort to every meal. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish has made its mark globally and has generated fanfare across various kitchens. The delightful blend of spices, succulent pieces of chicken, and the creamy sauce make it a beloved choice for many.
Why We Love This Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, the use of boneless, skinless chicken breasts means it’s easy to prepare and results in juicy, tender bites of chicken. The homemade masala paste not only packs a punch of flavor but also allows you to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. With the addition of yogurt during marination, you get added flavor and moisture that enhances the overall dish.
Moreover, the flexibility of this dish makes it a favorite for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. You can serve it over steaming rice, paired with naan bread, or even enjoy it on its own. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and comforting, perfect for any occasion. Create this dish, and you will understand why it has captured the hearts of home cooks and foodies alike.
Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala
To prepare a tempting Chicken Tikka Masala, you need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup masala paste
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1–2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups rice
- 1/4 cup cilantro
For the Masala Paste:
- 2 onions (about 3 cups when chopped)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Juice of one lemon
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Creating Chicken Tikka Masala in your home kitchen is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps for a delightful result:
Make the Masala Paste: Start by pulsing the onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, ground cloves, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice in a food processor. You want a smooth paste that combines all the flavors. Reserve 1/4 cup for the recipe and freeze the rest for future use.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the reserved masala paste and plain yogurt. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This marination helps the chicken absorb all those fantastic flavors and makes it tender.
Cook the Rice: While the chicken marinates, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Typically, it involves rinsing the rice, boiling it in water, and allowing it to simmer until fully cooked. This will take around 15–20 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: In a nonstick skillet, heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and cook it in batches, ensuring each piece gets a chance to brown nicely on all sides. Brown the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per batch and then transfer it to a plate.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the reserved masala paste. Stir-fry for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the tomato puree and mix well. Add the browned chicken, cover, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. This process allows the chicken to soak in the rich flavors of the sauce.
Finish the Dish: Gradually stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Adjust the salt to taste. Let the sauce thicken for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve: Your Chicken Tikka Masala is now ready to serve! Dish it up over cooked rice and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy this delicious meal with your family or friends.
How to Serve Chicken Tikka Masala
Serving Chicken Tikka Masala can elevate your dining experience. Here are some suggested ways to enjoy this exquisite dish:
With Rice: Serving your Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of fluffy rice is a classic choice. The rice helps soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.
With Naan Bread: If you’re a fan of Indian bread, pair your Chicken Tikka Masala with warm naan. This allows you to scoop up the sauce and chicken, adding to the overall enjoyment.
Garnished: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro. The green color adds a beautiful contrast and a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
Accompaniments: Consider serving it with side dishes like cucumber raita (a yogurt-based salad), pickles, or a simple salad. These add freshness and balance to the meal.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Chicken Tikka Masala
To ensure that your Chicken Tikka Masala turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:
Thorough Marination: Aim to marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes if you can. Overnight marination will yield even more flavor and tenderness.
Even Cooking: When browning the chicken, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that each piece is properly seared rather than steaming.
Consistent Texture: Be attentive when blending your masala paste. A smooth consistency allows for an even distribution of flavors in your dish.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the cayenne pepper in the masala paste. Conversely, if you’re a spice enthusiast, add more chili powder to amp up the heat.
Utilize Coconut Milk: If you want a different flavor profile or a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. It adds a unique taste while keeping the creaminess intact.
How to Store Chicken Tikka Masala
Storing any leftover Chicken Tikka Masala is easy and allows you to enjoy the dish even after the main meal. Here are some simple guidelines:
Cool and Store: Make sure that the Chicken Tikka Masala is completely cooled before storing. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container.
Refrigeration: Your Chicken Tikka Masala can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the Chicken Tikka Masala. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a pot over medium heat.
Variations of Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might consider trying:
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cheese), tofu, or a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and mushrooms. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring you still get that fantastic flavor.
Spicy Version: If you enjoy a spicy kick, increase the amounts of chili powder and cayenne pepper in the masala paste. You can also add fresh green chilies to the sauce while simmering.
Add Nuts: For a richer taste, consider adding ground cashews or almonds to the sauce. This will not only enhance the flavor but also create a creamier texture.
Herbal Infusions: For an aromatic twist, add fresh herbs like mint or fenugreek leaves to your Chicken Tikka Masala just before serving. This will bring an elevated freshness to the dish.
Cooking Style: Experiment with different cooking methods, such as grilling the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce for a smoky flavor, or even using a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
FAQ About Chicken Tikka Masala
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that consists of marinated pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices. It’s cherished for its rich flavors and is usually served with rice or bread.
How can I adjust the spice level in Chicken Tikka Masala?
If you’re looking to manage the spice in your Chicken Tikka Masala, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the masala paste. Alternatively, you can also use mild spices, or balance the heat with yogurt or cream.
Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala without cream?
Yes! You can use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option. It works beautifully and adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
How long does Chicken Tikka Masala last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Chicken Tikka Masala can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
You can serve Chicken Tikka Masala with various accompaniments such as basmati rice, naan, cucumber raita, or a fresh salad to enhance the meal experience.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup masala paste
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1–2 Tbsp. oil
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1–2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 cups rice
- ¼ cup cilantro for garnish
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 inch fresh ginger
- 3 Tbsp. garam masala
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. turmeric
- 1 Tbsp. cumin
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Make the masala paste by pulsing onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, ground cloves, salt, cayenne pepper, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. Reserve ¼ cup for later use.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in the reserved masala paste and yogurt for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cook rice according to package instructions while the chicken marinates.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add the remaining masala paste to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato puree and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and adjust salt to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.
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