Yum Chicken Tikka Masala

The good news is this delicious Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is keto, excluding rice and naan, nut-free, gluten-free, sugar-free option, and egg-free. With some substitutions, it can be dairy-free.

This rich, succulent Tikka Masala rivals Indian restaurants. As we always say when dining at home, why buy shop-bought or splash out on restaurant meals when you can make one equally as good, if not better! Freshly cooked homemade meals, especially curries, are never boring!

Tikka Masala is typically served with rice or warm bread to make it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. We believe it’s one of the best curries you will try. For an extra special treat, serve it with yogurt, Buttery Garlic Rice, and Naan Bread for the most amazing meal!

We love curries, and you’re here because you love curries, too. For something a little different, why not try our Beef Rogan Josh or our Caribbean Chicken Curry? Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply craving something comforting and flavorful, these curries are sure to delight your taste buds.

The nicest part about this curry is you may already have these ingredients in your kitchen. If not all of them, you’ll likely find them at any grocery store, so you won’t have to search far and wide!

What’s To Love?

💕 This Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the best you will try.
💕 Easy to cook, and no oven is required.
💕 Doesn’t require any complex cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients.
💕 Tastes as good as it looks with its rich, aromatic flavors.
💕 The combination of spices creates an inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, enhancing the anticipation and enjoyment of the meal.
💕 There’s something inherently comforting about a steaming bowl of curry, and adding basmati rice, Indian chutney, and Naan Bread takes it to another level of coziness.
💕 Is a hearty and filling dish that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
💕 Often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
💕 Great for making a day or two in advance.
💕 Packs an aromatic punch.

Have you already tried Chicken Tikka Masala? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Tikka Masala Origin

The origin of Chicken Tikka Masala is a topic of some debate and speculation, with multiple stories claiming its creation. Here are a few theories about its origin:

Indian Origin: There are claims that Chicken Tikka Masala originated in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in the Punjab region of India. It is believed to have developed from conventional Indian dishes such as chicken tikka, which consists of marinated and grilled chicken pieces, and various masala (spice) dishes. With time, it is possible that the dish was altered and customized to suit the preferences of different regions and cultures.

British Origin: There is a popular theory that suggests Chicken Tikka Masala was actually invented by Bangladeshi chefs in the United Kingdom. According to this story, the dish was created in either Glasgow or London during the 1960s or 1970s to cater to British tastes. Supposedly, the chefs added a creamy tomato-based sauce to the grilled chicken tikka to make it more appealing and palatable to British diners, who were accustomed to saucy dishes.

Hybrid Origin: It is believed by some that Chicken Tikka Masala has a mixed origin, influenced by both Indian and British culinary traditions. It is possible that the dish was created through a combination of Indian cooking techniques and British ingredients and preferences. This theory suggests that Chicken Tikka Masala represents the multicultural nature of modern cuisine, blending aspects from diverse culinary traditions.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

Marination:

• Chicken — preferably use chicken breast – skinless cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Yogurt — plain yogurt is always used to marinate meat. It works perfectly well.
• Lemon Juice — use fresh lemon juice.
• Ginger — use fresh because it gives a lovely natural aroma and mild heat to the curry.
• Garlic — use fresh, it adds a lot of flavor without overwhelming the curry.
• Spices — use cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili preferably kashmiri chili for its vibrant color and aromatic taste.

Sauce:

• Ghee — ghee is better than oil or butter, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
• Onion — use red onion to add natural sweetness.
• Garlic — use fresh, it adds a lot of flavor without overwhelming the curry.
• Ginger — use fresh because it gives a lovely natural aroma and mild heat to the curry.
• Spices — use cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garam masala, and turmeric powder.
• Sugar — counteracts any bitterness from the tomatoes.
• Tomatoes — adds red hue color to the curry.
• Cream — provides the balance for creaminess. Use heavy cream, aka double cream, in some countries.
• Salt — used to balance the flavors.

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Chicken — use legs or thighs or any meat that you love. We often vary the curry using lamb or beef. Another option is to substitute the meat for vegetables such as cauliflower, zucchini (courgette), eggplant (aubergine), or various mushrooms.
• Ghee — use your favorite oil or butter.
• Onions — use white onion.
• Garlic — instead of garlic cloves use garlic puree (paste).
• Ginger — use ginger puree (paste) for convenience.
• Yogurt — use a dairy-free alternative.
• Cream — use a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream.

Remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ when substituting ingredients, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Chicken Tikka Masala with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Chicken Tikka Masala is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ Marination — the diced chicken breasts are marinated in a blended mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with a lovely aromatic flavor. Marinating the chicken for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. 

▶︎ Cooking — once the chicken is marinated, it can be seared. This helps develop a deliciously charred exterior. While the chicken is cooking, you can make the rich creamy tomato-based sauce.

▶︎ The sauce is made with onions, garlic, and ginger, which are sautéed until fragrant and softened. A blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and canned diced tomatoes are added.

▶︎ The sauce is blended to create a luscious base. Then the cooked chicken is added and simmered until the spices in the sauce meld and break down.

NOTE: If you prefer slow cooking, cook on low for 5-6 hours, this will help the flavors meld to perfection.

▶︎ Serving — to finish the sauce, heavy cream, and a little sugar are stirred in to add richness and creaminess to the final touch of the dish. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s added to the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors. The dish is garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving, adding a pop of freshness and color.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best Chicken Tikka Masala? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Frying Pan – to simmer the curry.
• Mini Chopper – to chop the onion, garlic and ginger.
• Mixing Bowl – to combine the sauce and use for the marination.
• Garlic Press – or use the mini chopper.
• Stick Blender – is a great tool to whiz up the sauce.
• Thermapen – is a great little tool to test meat temperature.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.

If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you’ll love this Kitchenaid frying pan (skillet). It’s our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think every budding chef needs it.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Chicken Tikka Masala is frequently eaten as a standalone, but can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ The fluffy texture and delicate flavor of basmati rice make it an ideal accompaniment; the mildness balances the bold flavors of the dish and helps soak up the creamy sauce.

NOTE: Cauliflower rice is a great substitute for basmati.

▶︎ Soft and pillowy Naan Bread is perfect for scooping up curry and sopping up the delicious sauce. Its slightly chewy texture and subtle sweetness provide a wonderful contrast to the spicy and creamy flavors of the dish.

▶︎ Traditional Indian flatbreads are another excellent choice; they’re simple yet hearty texture complements the dish without overwhelming its flavors.

▶︎ Cool and refreshing cucumber raita, made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices, provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy heat of the curry. Its creamy texture also helps balance out the richness of the dish.

▶︎ For afters, a light dessert such as this Blueberry Cheesecake Mousse or this Chocolate Biscoff Crepes will provide a sweet finish to this hearty meal.

More Recipes

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⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Chicken Tikka Masala every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.