Chicken Tikka Masala is a globally beloved dish known for its creamy, rich sauce and grilled chunks of chicken. Its history, though somewhat debated, is fascinating. It’s widely believed that Chicken Tikka Masala was not traditionally Indian but was created in the UK by Indian immigrants. One popular story credits a Bangladeshi chef in Glasgow, Scotland, who improvised a sauce made from yogurt, cream, and spices to cater to the local palate, leading to the creation of this iconic dish.
“Tikka”: The Spicy Superstar of Indian Cuisine.
Tikka explained
In the world of Indian cuisine, “Tikka” is like the rockstar of the food scene. Imagine chunks of chicken getting a spa treatment in a pool of yogurt and spices like garam masala, garlic, and ginger. After soaking up all the goodness, they hit the stage of a fiery tandoor oven, rocking a smoky, charred look. Not just a solo act, Chicken Tikka also teams up with a creamy tomato sauce to form the legendary Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste palette dance and sing! 🌶️🎤🍗
Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Dive into our ‘Spice Sensation’ recipe for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala! Perfect for families and spice enthusiasts, this recipe combines creamy, tangy flavors with a rich blend of Indian spices. Serve with rice or naan for a truly authentic experience. Get ready to bring the flavors of India right into your kitchen!
Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Chicken Tikka Ingredients
- 600-700 gr of boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 2 tbps lemon juice
- 1½ tbps garlic paste
- 1½ tbps ginger paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder adjust to taste
- 2 tsp cooking oil
- Salt to taste
Masala Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbps butter or oil
- 1 pcs large onion finely chopped
- 1½ tbps garlic paste
- 1½ tbps ginger paste
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
- 400 gr tomato puree canned or fresh
- 1 cup cream
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and ginger paste, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or oven.
- Skewer the chicken pieces and grill them until they are cooked through, with charred edges.
- Alternatively, you can cook them in a grill pan over the stovetop.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a large pan, heat butter or oil. Add onions and sauté until golden.
- Stir in garlic and ginger paste, followed by the ground spices.
- Add tomato puree, and cook until it thickens and oil starts to separate.
- Mix in cream, sugar (if using), and salt. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine Chicken with Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, mix well.
- Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
