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Chicken tikka masala in creamy tomato sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro
Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala in creamy sauce, served with rice

Chicken Tikka Masala

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
Tikka Masala is a miracle of fusion cuisine. 'Tikka' refers to chunks of meat marinated in yogurt and roasted, becoming butter-soft. 'Masala' is the spiced tomato sauce these roasted bites bathe in. The depth of flavor comes from 'blooming' the spices in hot oil.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins
🍽️ Servings 5 servings
🔥 Calories 480 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Deep skillet or Wok
  • Bowl for marinating
  • Grater (for ginger)

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Dice the chicken. Mix yogurt with half the spices, half the grated ginger, and half the crushed garlic. Toss in the chicken and marinate in fridge for at least 2 hours.

Tip: Yogurt acidity breaks down meat fibers, preventing it from drying out during cooking [protein denaturation].
2 ✓

Heat a little oil in a pan and sear the marinated chicken until browned (no need to cook through fully). Remove from pan.

Tip: High-heat searing creates browning, which forms the flavor base [Maillard reaction].
3 ✓

In the same pan, heat more oil, add remaining garlic, ginger, and the other half of the spices. Sauté for 1 minute.

Tip: This is called 'blooming': hot fat dissolves and activates spice aromas [solubility].
4 ✓

Pour in tomato puree, season with salt, and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

Tip: The tomato acidity needs to cook off for a harmonious flavor.
5 ✓

Return chicken to pan, add heavy cream, and simmer for a few minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.

Tip: The fat in the cream binds and softens the spicy tomato base [emulsion].

Recipe FAQ

Why isn't the flavor intense enough?
You likely didn't toast the spices enough in the oil. This releases their essential oils.
Can I replace the cream?
Yes, coconut milk works great and can offer an even more authentic flavor profile.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Fillet
  • 3/4 cup Plain Yogurt
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Garam Masala Blend
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder (to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) Tomato Puree or Crushed Tomatoes
  • 2/3 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 tsp Salt