Chicken tikka masala is a dish that wraps comfort and amazing spices all into one, making it a surefire hit for your next family dinner. Imagine tender chunks of chicken bathed in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce—yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to explore the kitchen, this dish is a delightful journey for your taste buds and a wonderful way to bring a piece of South Asian cuisine into your home. So, let’s dive in and spice up tonight’s dinner with some chicken tikka masala magic!
This recipe is absolutely fantastic with homemade Garam Masala. If you love chicken tikka masala you’re also going to love butter chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Protein is easily customizable for meat-eaters and plant-based diets.
- Spice level is easily adaptable for mild to spicy palates.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Lean and protein-rich, it’s the core of the dish. For our plant-based readers, you can use paneer, fried tofu, chickpeas, or mixed veggies in place of the chicken. If using paneer, cut it into bite-sized cubes and toast in some cooking oil or butter until browned before continuing with making the sauce.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds tenderness to the chicken and creaminess to the sauce. Sour cream or a plant-based yogurt are suitable alternatives.
- Tomato Sauce: The base of the sauce, providing tang and color.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Brings richness and balances the spices. Full-fat canned cashew or coconut milk are fantastic dairy-free options.
- Butter: Adds flavor while sautéing; can be replaced with ghee or oil.
- Cumin: Earthy and slightly bitter, it adds depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: Offers heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Garam Masala: A blend of ground spices, it gives a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh is always best, but you may use 4 teaspoons dried cilantro if needed. If cilantro isn’t to your liking or if you’re among those who taste it as soapy, fresh flat-leaf parsley is an excellent alternative.
Using substitutions – especially low-fat substitutions – may affect final taste and texture.
History of Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala holds a unique place in culinary history. While its roots trace back to the Indian subcontinent, the dish as we know it today is believed to have evolved in Britain, where chefs combined roasted chicken (tikka) with a creamy tomato sauce (masala). It’s a testament to how food bridges cultures, as this fusion dish resonates both with the Indian diaspora and the British populace. Beyond its taste, chicken tikka masala signifies the beauty of culinary evolution and the blending of different food traditions.
Can I cook the chicken on the grill?
Certainly! Thread the chicken onto skewers, and grill over high heat, rotating every 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using so they don’t catch fire.
Spice Level Adjustments
The beauty of chicken tikka masala is its adaptability. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the quantity of cayenne pepper or jalapeño. Alternatively, for an added kick, consider adding a touch of extra chili powder or using a spicier pepper variety.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tikka masala pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or naan. To make it a full meal, consider accompanying it with a fresh cucumber salad. As a dessert, a light mango sorbet or traditional Indian kulfi can be the perfect finish. This dish is versatile and suits various occasions, be it a family dinner, a festive gathering, or a romantic date night.
Troubleshooting
- Overcooking the Chicken: Marinated chicken cooks relatively quickly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
- Not Marinating Long Enough: For the flavors to truly meld and the chicken to tenderize, give it ample marinating time. Overnight is ideal.
Tips From the Chef
- Marinate the chicken longer (preferably overnight) to deepen the flavors.
- Lightly char the chicken pieces before adding to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Taste and adjust the spices according to your preference.
When is chicken tikka masala ready?
- Chicken should be fully cooked, with no pink inside, and juices running clear.
- The sauce should be thick and creamy, not watery.
- Aromatic spices should give off a rich, inviting smell.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
We do not recommend freezing this dish due to the heavy whipping cream. Dairy tends to separate from the rest of the ingredients when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture.
More South Asian-Inspired Recipes
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Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Awesome! I’ll try this tonight 🙂
Would be great if you would use gramm/ounces and ml instead of cubs and all the other unprecise messurements. Thanks
Sorry. 90% of my readers wouldn’t be able to make the recipes if I used metric measurements.
I want to try this recipe, but I never heard of garam masala…….can I use sweet marsala wine ? and how much ?
Marsala wine is nothing like garam masala which is a blend of spices. You can make your own garam masala mix by following instructions here: https://twosleevers.com/home-made-garam-masala-recipe/
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for the recipe!!
I made it today but it’s a little acidic. Should I add more cream or is there something else I can do?
Thanks
Depends on why it is acidic. I’d expect a little more cream would help.
I’ve made this a few times and found that using a whole squeezed lemon made it too citrusy. I like to use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice instead and it made it much better. I love this recipe though and have now made it 4 times. It’s my boyfriend and I’s new favorite dinner!
Could this work as a freezer meal?
It should! The only thing you have to watch out for is the cream separating in the sauce.
Some Pakistani friends of mine gave me a box of San Chicken Tikka mix from an ethnic foods store. I used the box mix for the chicken and grilled it. Using you recipe I found the correct rice to use (which still smells good in the house after cooking it 3 hours ago) and followed your recipe for the curry sauce. Combine with a couple piece of Tandoor naan bread and this dish was outstanding. The heavy cream really cuts the majority of the heat I the suace. I expected fire hot and was pleasantly surprised and the perfect balance. If you do this recipe you need to make the gharam masala spice mix or find a Indian food store (I got lucky there – I have enough for a year). This meal is best shared with someone and prepare for a nice meal with plenty of conversation. Use your fingers to eat it. 🙂
Excellent post with useful recipe..And the combination of elements are very different and unique..
Good post. Most Indian recipes seems to really taste good. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for this great share. This site is a fantastic resource.
I don't have yogurt or cream. Would whole milk be an OK substitute for the cream and could the yogurt be omitted?
While you could leave out the yogurt and substitute whole milk for the heavy cream and still at end up with an edible dish, it was just won't be the same. I personally wouldn't make a substitution for either ingredient. If you do substitute with whole milk add a couple tablespoons of melted butter.
I’ve used coconut milk before as a substitute. It’s pretty delicious and it’s a non-dairy option. I adore this recipe. I’ve also used cardamom, red curry, and cinnamon when I’ve been out of gharma masala. Not the same, but no matter how you tweak this, I think it’s pretty delicious!
My mouth is watering! Wish I didn't come across this when I was hungry! One of my fave Indian dishes!