Are you craving an adventure in the kitchen that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India? Get ready to tease your taste buds with the irresistible flavours of Chicken Tikka Masala! This iconic dish is a celebration of Indian cuisine, renowned for its rich blend of spices and tender chicken. You do not have to be a professional chef to recreate this classic. This simple and delicious recipe is your ticket to creating a masterpiece curry that will have everyone begging for seconds.

The History of Tikka Masala

Originating from the bustling streets of India, Chicken Tikka Masala has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. Legend has it that this dish was born out of the creative fusion of Indian and British culinary traditions. It is said that chefs in Indian restaurants in the UK, seeking to cater to the British palate, developed this creamy and flavourful dish by marrying tender chicken tikka with a luxurious masala sauce. The result? A dish that perfectly balances the warmth of Indian spices with the creamy richness of the sauce.

Instructions for Chicken Tikka Masala:

Marinate the Chicken

Begin by infusing your chicken with a burst of flavour by marinating it in spices. Grab a large bowl and toss in your yoghurt, tikka masala paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it is all nice and combined. Now, gently place your chicken pieces into this aromatic marinade, ensuring they are coated from every angle. Cover it up and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. If you have the time, leaving it overnight is even better to let those flavours really infuse.

Cook the Chicken

Time to get sizzling! Heat up some vegetable oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and let it sizzle until it is translucent. Now, gently place your marinated chicken pieces along with all that yummy marinade into the pan. Give it an occasional stir and let it cook away until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden brown colour, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, it is time to add in the tomato passata. Pour it into the pan and give everything a good mix, making sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer away for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Now, it is time to add a touch of creamy indulgence. Pour in that heavy cream and give it a gentle stir until it is fully blended into the sauce. Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency – not too thick, not too thin – it is time to take it off the heat. Sprinkle some fresh coriander leaves on top for a pop of colour and a burst of freshness. Now, all that is left to do is serve up your mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala and watch as your friends and family dive.

Alternatives For The Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Not a fan of chicken or prefer a meat free diet? No problem! You can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins such as paneer, tofu, shrimp, beef, or even mixed vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your alternative protein is cooked through.

Side Dish Suggestions

No Chicken Tikka Masala is complete without some delicious sides to accompany it! Serve your piping hot Chicken Tikka Masala with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, and perhaps some Bombay potatoes for an authentic Indian feast. The combination of aromatic rice, pillowy naan, and spicy potatoes perfectly complements the rich and flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala, creating a symphony of flavours that will delight your taste buds.