One of the most popular Indian dish is chicken tikka masala, which is praised for its perfectly spiced chicken and rich, creamy sauce. Its origins are hotly contested; some claim it originated in India, while others contend Indian chefs initially prepared it in Britain to suit regional tastes. Whatever its origins, the dish has gained international renown. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to make this delicious dish.
Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients
Before you start, gather all your ingredients for both the chicken tikka and the masala sauce –
| For the Chicken Tikka (Marinated Grilled Chicken) | For the Masala Sauce |
|---|---|
| 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces | 3 tbsp butter or ghee |
| 1 cup plain yogurt | 2 medium onions, finely chopped |
| 2 tbsp lemon juice | 3-4 cloves garlic, minced |
| 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste | 1 inch ginger, grated |
| 1 tsp turmeric powder | 2-3 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped |
| 2 tsp ground cumin | 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream |
| 2 tsp ground coriander | 2 tsp ground cumin |
| 1 tsp garam masala | 1 tsp ground coriander |
| 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste) | 1 tsp turmeric powder |
| Salt to taste | 1 tsp red chili powder |
| 2 tbsp vegetable oil | 1 tsp paprika |
| 1 tsp garam masala | |
| 1 cup water or chicken stock | |
| Salt to taste / Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves for garnish |
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
| Marinating the Chicken |
|---|
| Yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt should all be combined in a large bowl. |
| Coat the chicken pieces completely by adding them to this marinade. |
| Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least one to two hours, preferably overnight, with the bowl covered. This tenderizes and adds rich flavors to the chicken. |
Chicken Tikka –
| Cooking the Chicken Tikka |
|---|
| Preheat the grill, oven, or stovetop grill pan. If using an oven, preheat to 200°C (400°F). |
| If you’re grilling, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Alternatively, you can cook them on the grill or in a greased pan over medium heat. |
| Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, until the chicken is charred and cooked through. Set aside. |
Chicken Tikka Sauce –
| Making the Masala Sauce |
|---|
| In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. |
| Sauté the finely chopped onions until golden brown. This is an important step because it forms the foundation of the sauce. |
| Cook for another minute, stirring in the minced garlic and grated ginger, until fragrant. |
| Combine ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika. Stir well to lightly toast the spices and release their flavors. |
| Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the masala. This indicates that the tomatoes’ rawness has been cooked away. |
| Add water or chicken stock to reach the desired sauce consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. |
Combining The Chicken and Masala
– Add the grilled chicken tikka to the simmering masala sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
– Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
– Add the heavy cream or coconut cream to give the sauce its signature creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with salt as necessary.
Tips for the Perfect Recipe
– Marination is key, Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight ensures that it absorbs the flavors completely.
– Use Charcoal for Authenticity, For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or place a small piece of burning charcoal in the dish (covered) for one minute at the end of cooking.
– Balanced Spices, Avoid using too much spice in the dish; balance is essential for highlighting the creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
– Fresh Cream, Using high-quality cream or full-fat coconut cream improves the dish’s luxurious texture.
– Custom Heat Levels, Adjust the chili powder and paprika to your spice tolerance.
Chicken Tikka
Chicken Tikka Masala is not just a dish; it is an experience. It combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the richness of a velvety sauce. This dish is memorable for its aromatic spices, creaminess, and tomato tang. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving comfort food on a quiet evening, Chicken Tikka Masala will impress.
Mastering this recipe allows you to not only cook a meal, but also preserve and celebrate a culinary tradition that spans cultures and continents. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and spread the love.
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