Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: A Popular Favorite

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: This classic Indian dish is one of the most popular curry recipes worldwide. Known for its creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken, it’s a favorite in both restaurants and home kitchens.

Ingredients You Will Need

500 grams boneless chicken (breast or thighs)
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 green chillies, deseeded and sliced
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons garam masala
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons tomato ketchup (optional)
10-15 mint leaves for garnish
Salt to taste

Making the Chicken Tikka Masala

First, marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients except the mint and lemon juice. Mix well and allow the chicken to marinade for 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.
After that, thread the marinated pieces of chicken onto skewers and grill them over medium heat until they are nicely browned on both sides. Alternatively, you can bake the skewers at 200°C (400°F) for around 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
In a saucepan, add half a cup of water along with the grilled chicken and bring it to a simmer. This step ensures that the flavors are sealed into the chicken. Once done, remove from heat immediately and set aside.

Creamy Tomato Sauce

For the creamy tomato sauce, you will need:

3 tomatoes, blended or pureed (can use tinned tomatoes)
1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons chopped green coriander (cilantro)
1-2 teaspoons sugar to balance the acidity from lemon juice and tomato ketchup
Salt to taste

Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, which will sizzle when they hit the hot oil.
Add the onion and garlic, stir until soft (about 5 minutes).
Pour the blended tomatoes into the pan along with green chillies and tomato ketchup if using. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until it forms a thick sauce.
Add sugar to taste and simmer over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking (about 5-8 minutes).

Combining Chicken Tikka Masala and Sauce

Mix the grilled chicken with the creamy tomato sauce. Stir well so that all pieces of chicken are coated in the flavorful masala. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tikka Masala pairs excellently with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.
A dollop of Greek yogurt adds a cooling effect and enhances the overall dish.
Fresh coriander leaves are commonly used to garnish this dish for an extra burst of flavor.

Health Benefits

The ingredients in Chicken Tikka Masala offer a variety of health benefits:

Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, which is great for heart health and helps in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
Ginger: Boosts immunity and reduces inflammation.
Mint leaves: Aid digestion and have antiseptic properties.

Tips for Beginners

Always soak the cumin seeds before using them to enhance their flavor. You can do this by frying them in hot oil until they pop slightly.
For a spicier version, add more green chillies or use freshly ground black pepper instead of garam masala.

Cooking Time and Servings

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe serves 4 people. The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious, nutritious meal that is easy to prepare at home. With its rich flavor profile and wide range of health benefits, this dish can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe offers an opportunity to explore new flavors and techniques.