This Chicken Tikka Masala is a celebration of heritage flavors, bringing together the warmth of traditional spices with a refreshing, creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a versatile favorite that transforms simple chicken into a gourmet experience.
The Secret to a Professional-Grade Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is widely considered the quintessential British comfort dish, transcending its origins to become a global culinary icon. The hallmark of an elite version lies in the “Tikka”—the process of marinating chicken in spiced yogurt and charring it to perfection before it ever meets the sauce. This double-cooking method ensures that the meat remains tender and smoky, providing a robust counterpoint to the silky, indulgent masala base.
In professional kitchens, the sauce is meticulously balanced. By simmering high-quality tomatoes with aromatics like ginger and garlic, then finishing with double cream, you create a texture that is both velvety and light. It is a dish that rewards patience, particularly in the marination stage, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal that feels both familiar and deeply sophisticated.
Preparation & Mise en Place
To achieve the depth of a traditional curry house, follow this professional prep checklist:
- The Sifting Secret: If you prefer an ultra-smooth “London style” sauce, you can pulse the onion and tomato base in a blender before adding the cream and chicken.
- The Marination Window: Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes, but 4–6 hours is the “sweet spot” for the enzymes in the yogurt to truly tenderize the chicken.
- Aromatic Precision: Always use fresh ginger and garlic. Grating them into a fine paste ensures they dissolve into the sauce, providing a seamless flavor profile.
- Spice Tempering: Measure your dry spices beforehand. Adding them to the hot oil (tempering) for 30–60 seconds is non-negotiable for unlocking their aromatic oils.
Traditional Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Serves: 4
Total Time: 60 minutes
Flavour Profile: Creamy, aromatic, mildly spiced, and savoury
Ingredients
- For the chicken marinade:
- 600 g chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- For the masala sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder (optional)
- 1 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup cooking cream
- ½ cup water or chicken stock
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base:
- Heat oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook briefly.
- Add spices and tomatoes:
- Add cumin, coriander, paprika, and chilli powder if using. Stir well, then add the tomato purée. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
- Combine and simmer:
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce along with water or stock. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, then stir in the cream.
- Finish and serve:
- Cook for a final 5 minutes, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve hot.
🍽 Serving & Storage
Chicken Tikka Masala is best enjoyed with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or chapati. A side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad adds contrast to the rich sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently, making this dish suitable for meal preparation. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute part of it with yogurt.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Potassium: 640 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 130 mg
- Iron: 3.4 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
Chicken Tikka Masala remains a favourite because it delivers rich flavour, comfort, and versatility in one dish. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it appealing to a wide range of tastes, while its simple preparation allows anyone to recreate a classic curry at home. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish continues to stand the test of time.