Skip the takeaway and jazz up your dinner with this delicious, flavorful and authentic chicken tikka masala recipe. It’s all about grilled chicken pieces in a rich tomato-based sauce for a lip-smacking meal you’ll want again and again. Serve this with naan or rice, and pappadums for an awesome, flavor-packed meal!
Even though life is super busy these days, sometimes I try to find time to cook and enjoy classic recipes. This is the kind of comfort food that make me feel at home. And I want to enjoy this day with a big bowl of this chicken tikka masala and obviously, a big, fluffy naan to dunk in that rich, colourful sauce. A super satisfying, comforting meal, indeed!
Obviously, this chicken tikka masala paired with rice or naan makes for a simple dinner. However, it’s also perfect when you want to throw a party.
This authentic chicken tikka masala recipe is all about chicken cooked in a delicately spiced sauce. The tomato based sauce makes this absolutely lip-smacking. There are a few tomato based curries in Indian cuisine. I’m talking butter chicken, paneer butter masala and this tikka masala curry. To be honest, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
This curry is not a simple recipe. And not a quick one at all. In fact, it’s a three step process that involves marinating the chicken, grilling the tikkas and lastly preparing the curry. Ok, let’s go through each and every step in detail.
The recipe for this chicken tikka masala starts with marinating the chicken pieces. Actually, the marination itself is a two-step process. First, chicken is marinated with salt and lemon juice for ten minutes. Then it’s marinated with a mixture of garlic, ginger, cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, chili powder, paprika, and yogurt for another two hours. A tad of oil keeps it moist while grilling.
Now the grilling. Well, this is the best part of the recipe. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers and grill them. Just sit back and relax until they are done. Or you can start making the sauce.
To make the sauce, throw in some onions into hot oil and sauté until lightly browned. Add ginger and let it release all its awesome flavors. Next, all the ground spices – turmeric, coriander, paprika and chili powder – goes in. The tomato paste and the canned tomatoes give this curry its beautiful red color. Substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh ones if you like. Finely chop two large tomatoes and add it to the curry to make thick sauce. Canned tomatoes are more convenient, so I decided to go that way.
Add cream to make the sauce rich and luscious. Finally, a touch of garam masala and plenty of coriander (cilantro) leaves. And the tender grilled chicken goes into the sauce to make lip-smacking chicken tikka masala.
Doesn’t this authentic chicken tikka masala recipe sound totally delicious?
- 600g chicken thigh fillets, cut into cubes
- Marinate Chicken:
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves
- 3 cm piece fresh ginger
- 1 ½ tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp ground coriander (coriander powder)
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tsp minced ginger (ginger paste)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric (turmeric powder)
- 2 tsp ground coriander (coriander powder)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste)
- ¼ cup canned tomatoes or 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¾ cup fresh cream
- ¼ tsp garam masala
- A handful coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Water
- Naan or rice, to serve
- Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Rub with lemon juice and enough salt. Marinate for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Meanwhile, place garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and yogurt in a blender. Process until smooth. Add this paste to the bowl of chicken. Add in oil and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible.
- When you are ready, preheat grill. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill, turning occasionally, for 15 – 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove chicken from skewers. Set aside.
- Meanwhile heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add ginger. Saute until aromatic. Add ground turmeric, ground coriander, paprika and red chili powder. Saute for a minute. Add tomato paste and fry for a few seconds. Now add in the tomatoes. Saute until they are soft and mushy. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and cream. Add in enough water to make a thick sauce. Season with salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Add more water if needed.
- Add garam masala and coriander (cilantro) leaves. Heat through. Stir in the grilled chicken. Garnish with more coriander leaves if you like. Serve with naan, roti or rice.
Like this authentic chicken tikka masala recipe? Then join Nish Kitchen on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or YouTube. Also, check out:
- Butter Chicken
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Tandoori Chicken
- Lamb Rogan Josh
- Chicken Tikka
- Chicken Tikka Kebab
- Chicken Tikka Rice Bowl
- Chicken Tikka Biryani
I might have to do this and substitute the chicken with paneer! Looks great Nisha!
Love this delicious & authentic recipe of chicken tikka masala, Rose. A must try recipe.
Looks so so so good 🙂 Especially with rice!
Lovely color and flavorful recipe. Delicious 🙂