🔥 Chicken Tikka Masala – A Rich and Flavorful Indian Classic
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. This dish features marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection and simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato-based gravy. Rich, flavorful, and satisfying, it pairs wonderfully with naan or rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Bowl or 200g)
1️⃣ Calories: ~400 kcal
2️⃣ Protein: ~28g
3️⃣ Carbohydrates: ~15g
4️⃣ Fats: ~25g
5️⃣ Fiber: ~3g
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 For the Chicken Marinade
1️⃣ 500g boneless chicken (cut into cubes)
2️⃣ ½ cup yogurt
3️⃣ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
4️⃣ 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
5️⃣ 1 teaspoon red chili powder
6️⃣ ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
7️⃣ 1 teaspoon garam masala
8️⃣ 1 teaspoon cumin powder
9️⃣ 1 teaspoon coriander powder
🔟 ½ teaspoon salt
1️⃣1️⃣ 1 tablespoon oil (for grilling)
🍅 For the Gravy
1️⃣2️⃣ 2 tablespoons butter or oil
1️⃣3️⃣ 1 bay leaf
1️⃣4️⃣ 1 cinnamon stick
1️⃣5️⃣ 2 green cardamoms
1️⃣6️⃣ 3 cloves
1️⃣7️⃣ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1️⃣8️⃣ 1 large onion, finely chopped
1️⃣9️⃣ 3 medium tomatoes, pureed
2️⃣0️⃣ 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
2️⃣1️⃣ 1 teaspoon red chili powder
2️⃣2️⃣ ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
2️⃣3️⃣ 1 teaspoon coriander powder
2️⃣4️⃣ ½ teaspoon garam masala
2️⃣5️⃣ 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
2️⃣6️⃣ ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
2️⃣7️⃣ ¼ cup fresh cream
2️⃣8️⃣ Salt to taste
2️⃣9️⃣ ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
3️⃣0️⃣ Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
🍽️ Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
2️⃣ Add chicken cubes and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
🔥 Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
3️⃣ Heat oil in a pan or grill.
4️⃣ Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5️⃣ Set aside.
🍲 Step 3: Preparing the Gravy
6️⃣ Heat butter or oil in a pan on medium heat.
7️⃣ Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamoms, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté until fragrant.
8️⃣ Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
9️⃣ Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
🔟 Add tomato puree and cook for 7-10 minutes until the oil separates.
1️⃣1️⃣ Mix in red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
🥄 Step 4: Blending for a Smooth Gravy
1️⃣2️⃣ Remove the bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamoms.
1️⃣3️⃣ Blend the mixture into a smooth paste using a blender.
1️⃣4️⃣ Return the blended gravy to the pan and add water to adjust consistency.
🍛 Step 5: Cooking the Chicken Tikka Masala
1️⃣5️⃣ Add the grilled chicken pieces to the gravy and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
1️⃣6️⃣ Stir in garam masala, kasuri methi, and sugar.
1️⃣7️⃣ Pour in fresh cream and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes.
🥢 Step 6: Serving
1️⃣8️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream.
1️⃣9️⃣ Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice
💪 Health Benefits of Chicken Tikka Masala
1️⃣ High in protein from chicken, making it a great source of lean muscle-building nutrients.
2️⃣ Contains healthy fats from butter and cream for energy.
3️⃣ Packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins from spices.
4️⃣ A satisfying, flavorful meal that can be enjoyed in moderation.
🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala
1️⃣ Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more tender pieces.
2️⃣ Marinate the chicken overnight for deep, rich flavors.
3️⃣ For extra smokiness, grill the chicken over charcoal or use the dhungar method with burning charcoal.
4️⃣ For a healthier version, replace cream with Greek yogurt or cashew paste.
5️⃣ For extra spice, add green chilies or more red chili powder as per taste.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
🍞 Serve with butter naan, garlic naan, or tandoori roti for a restaurant-style experience.
🍚 Pair with jeera rice or steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.
🥗 Add a side of cucumber raita or onion salad for a fresh contrast.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together smoky, grilled chicken and a creamy, spiced gravy. Try this easy recipe at home and enjoy a restaurant-style meal in your kitchen.