How to Prepare a Traditional Chicken Tikka Masala
There’s something magical about cooking dishes that can light up the dinner table. Chicken Tikka Masala is a world-famous dish that originated in India, and it’s loved for its creamy, spiced sauce and tender chunks of chicken. Luckily, you don’t have to be a professional chef to prepare this flavorful dish at home! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to make traditional Chicken Tikka Masala using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and aromatic dish made with marinated, grilled chicken chunks served in a creamy tomato-based curry. The word “tikka” refers to grilled or roasted meat, and “masala” means a mixture of spices. Together, they create a dish packed with flavor, perfect for serving with rice or naan bread.
Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to making a great Chicken Tikka Masala is using fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
– 500g (1 pound) boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (or adjust to taste)
– Juice of half a lemon
– Pinch of salt
For the Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
– 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
– 3 medium tomatoes (pureed) or 1 cup canned tomato sauce
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
– Salt (to taste)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- A grill pan, oven, or barbecue grill
- A large pan or skillet for the sauce
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge. If you want more flavor, let it sit overnight.
2. Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can use a grill, barbecue, or even an oven.
- Grill/Barbecue: Preheat your grill and cook the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked and slightly charred.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, then broil for a minute or two to get that smoky flavor.
- Pan: If you don’t have access to a grill or oven, simply pan-fry the chicken in a lightly oiled skillet until fully cooked and browned.
Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
3. Make the Sauce
Now, let’s create the creamy and flavorful sauce that makes Chicken Tikka Masala so special.
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, and chili powder. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Pour in the tomato puree or canned tomato sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the spices will mix beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to create a creamy, rich sauce. You can add a little water or chicken stock if the sauce feels too thick. Season with salt to taste.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the curry sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala hot with steamed basmati rice or freshly baked naan bread.
Tips for Success
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the heat level depending on your preference. Reduce chili powder if you prefer milder flavors.
- Smoky Flavor: If you want an extra smoky taste, add a touch of smoked paprika or use a grill to cook the chicken.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat it before adding the chicken.
Final Thoughts
Preparing traditional Chicken Tikka Masala at home is easier than it sounds. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Its incredible blend of spices, creamy sauce, and smoky chicken will make your kitchen smell amazing and impress your family or guests.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some fresh ingredients and get cooking! Soon, you’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala that tastes better than takeout.
Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
