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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite Indian dish with a rich creamy tomato curry sauce, filled with bold spices and lots of flavors.

This has become one of my favorite dish.

Hey, I am a lover of Curry and anything with Coconut milk in it.

These two ingredients makes a great combination if you are a lover of spices such as curry.

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If you ask any one in my family they will tell you that I can eat white rice and Jamaican Curry Chicken for days, weeks… and still not get annoyed.

So when I discovered this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe…. I said, Yes I am definitely making this.

A Brief History of the Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

It is said that the way how Chicken Tikka Masala recipe all started, was by a British gentleman in Glasgow, Scotland, who said his chicken was too dry and wanted something better to eat.

So, the Bangladeshi chefs who was in charge of the Indian restaurants, decided to sprinkle some spices, add some tomato sauce and yogurt to the dry chicken.

The British gentleman was in love and continue to come back to the restaurant for more.

I must say that the British named this a national dish in 2001, by their former Foreign Minister, Robin Cook because it is the most popular dish in Britain.

Regardless, if it is a Indian or British dish, Chicken Tikka Masala is now a popular Indian dish around the world.

What is Tikka Masala Sauce made of?

Tikka Masala Sauce is made with a creamy tomato based sauce along with Indian spices such as Turmeric Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Ginger and Garam Masala.

The Tikka Masala Sauce is a delicious creamy orange color sauce with a earthy flavor.

Chicken Tikka Masala with a serving of white rice.

What to serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?

Some cooked rice is the perfect side dish to serve with this flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.

It can be long grain white rice, Basmati rice, wild rice or even some brown rice.

Also, Chicken Tikka Masala can be served with Naan bread to soak up the rich creamy sauce…yummy!!!

But if you cannot find Naan bread, you can use some garlic bread instead.

Substitute for Chicken Breast

The best substitution to use in this recipe is some boneless chicken thighs.

It is much juicier than chicken breast.

I used chicken breast in this recipe because that’s what I had available at the time and I wont try to pretend I did use chicken thighs.

It came out just fine for me.

How to make Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala can be found at your local Indian restaurant.

However, with this recipe, you can make it right at home for you and your family, which will be less expensive.

I have never done the Chicken Tikka Masala Instant Pot version or the slow cooker/ crockpot version before.

This version is the stove top version, the only way I know how to do it.

However, those other version must be as delicious as the stove top version.

Seasons and herbs for the Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.

Firstly, mix the bite sized chicken in some plain yogurt with some bold spices and lots of flavors. Allow to marinade overnight or if not, 5 to 6 hours.

Left Photo: Chicken bite size pieces.
Right Photo: Chicken pieces in yogurt and spices marinating to make some delicious Chicken Tikka Masala.
Left Photo: Chicken bite size pieces.
Right Photo: Chicken pieces in yogurt and spices.

Secondly, allow the bite sized chicken pieces to fry in some oil. I used coconut oil to add some extra flavor to the sauce. Vegetable oil can also be used.

Bite size pieces of chicken frying.
Bite size pieces of chicken frying.
Chicken bite size after frying to make the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.
Chicken bite size after frying.

Thirdly, add the ingredients to make the sauce and then add the chicken bite sized pieces to the sauce.

Melting butter after frying the chicken pieces.
Melting butter after frying the chicken pieces.
Onion, garlic and ginger saute in butter.
Onion, garlic and ginger saute in butter.
Adding the spices and flavors to create the sauce for the Chicken Tikka Masala.
Adding the spices and flavors to create the sauce for the Chicken Tikka Masala.

Finally, cook the chicken in the sauce for about 20 minutes. Your Chicken Tikka Masala dish is complete.

The sauce getting thick to finalize the recipe.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients to marinade Chicken

  • 2lbs of Chicken Breast, bite sized
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • Plain nonfat Yogurt, 1 cup
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

Ingredients for Tikka Masala Sauce

  • 3 Tablespoon Coconut oil
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
  • 3 Tablespoon Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Ginger, grated
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 2 cups Coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 red Pepper flakes
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 15oz can Tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chicken stock/broth

Instructions

  1. Put the bite size chicken in a large bowl, add the yogurt, garlic, ginger, Garam Masala, Tumeric, cumin, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together, until well coated.
  2. Cover and allow the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator. If not, allow it to marinate for about 5 to 6 hours.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil. Place some of the marinade chicken in the skillet to brown on each side. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, so just do the chicken in batches (about 3 or 4).
  4. Once all the chicken pieces are browned, set aside in a separate bowl.
  5. In the same skillet, add the butter and allow to melt. Saute the onions, garlic and ginger for about 2 minutes.
  6. Add the Garam Masala, coriander, Tumeric, cumin and continue to stir.
  7. Add the red pepper flakes, salt (about 1/2 tsp or the right amount to your taste), paprika and continue to stir.
  8. Pour the tomato sauce and the chicken stock. Allow it to simmer slowly on medium heat while stirring and sauce thickens.
  9. Add the coconut milk and brown sugar to the sauce and stir. Put back the chicken with the juice in the skillet and stir. Allow the chicken to cook for about 20 minutes, while the sauce thickens.
  10. Serve with white Long Grain rice or Basmati rice or Wild rice. Enjoy.
A serving of Chicken Tikka Masala with some white rice.

Notes:

  1. Boneless Chicken Thighs can be used instead of Chicken Breast.
  2. Cut chicken into bite size pieces.
  3. Allow to marinate overnight or for 5 to 6 hours.

ANOTHER OPTION TO DO THE CHICKEN: Place bite sized chicken on wooden or bamboo skewers, then put them over a baking pan (lined with parchment paper).

Bake for 20 minutes at 475 degrees.

Please let me know what you think about this Chicken Tikka Masala in the comment section below and of course 5 stars if you love it..

Thanks for stopping by and please come back again.

Blessings and Love as always, as you carry on, on your YouNique Journey!

Chicken Tikka Masala with a serving of white rice.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Yield: 8 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite Indian dish with a rich creamy tomato curry sauce, filled with bold spices and lots of flavors.

Ingredients

  • Ingredients to Marinade Chicken
  • 2 lbs of Chicken Breast, bite sized
  • 1 teaspoon Tumeric
  • Plain nonfat Yogurt, 1 cup
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon Ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • Ingredients for Sauce
  • 3 Tablespoon Coconut oil
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic, minced
  • 3 Tablespoon Butter
  • 1 Tablespoon Ginger, grated
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 2 cups Coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Tumeric
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 red Pepper flakes
  • 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
  • 1 15 oz can Tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chicken stock/broth

Instructions

    1. Put the bite size chicken in a large bowl, add the yogurt, garlic, ginger, Garam Masala, Tumeric, cumin, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together, until well coated.
    2. Cover and allow the chicken to marinade overnight in the refrigerator. If not, allow it to marinade for about 5 to 6 hours.
    3. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil. Place some of the marinade chicken in the skillet to brown on each side. Don't overcrowd the skillet, so just do the chicken in batches (about 3 or 4).
    4. Once all the chicken pieces are browned, set aside in a separate bowl.
    5. In the same skillet, add the butter and allow to melt. Saute the onions, garlic and ginger for about 2 minutes.
    6. Add the Garam Masala, coriander, Tumeric, cumin and continue to stir.
    7. Add the red pepper flakes, salt (about 1/2 tsp or the right amount to your taste), paprika and continue to stir.
    8. Pour the tomato sauce and the chicken stock. Allow it to simmer slowly on medium heat while stirring and sauce thickens.
    9. Add the coconut milk and brown sugar to the sauce and stir. Put back the chicken with the juice in the skillet and stir. Allow the chicken to cook for about 20 minutes, while the sauce thickens.
    10. Serve with white Long Grain rice or Basmati rice or Wild rice. Enjoy

Notes

ANOTHER OPTION TO DO THE CHICKEN: Place bite sized chicken on wooden or bamboo skewers, then put them over a baking pan (lined with parchment paper). Bake for 20 minutes at 475 degrees.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 554Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1516mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 10gProtein: 44g

The nutritional information that is provided, is computer generated and therefore it is an estimate. Please do your own research with the ingredients that are listed here, if you have any concern about any specific diet or your health.

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