Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Written by
Petrina Verma Sarkar
Food writer Petrina Verma Sarkar is a native of India with extensive knowledge of the country's regional cuisines.
Learn about our editorial process
Petrina Verma Sarkar
Published on 10/14/19 by Petrina Verma Sarkar
Food writer Petrina Verma Sarkar is a native of India with extensive knowledge of the country's regional cuisines.
Learn about The Spruce Eats's Editorial Process

Updated 10/14/19

Chiken Tikka Masala
Image © Yogi Studio/ Getty Images
  • Total: 13 hrs 30 mins
  • Prep: 12 hrs
  • Cook: 90 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4

The word Tikka means chunks, pieces or bits. Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious North Indian dish in which pre-marinated pieces of chicken are grilled and then added to a thick creamy gravy. The result is a lovely smokey flavor. You can cook and freeze this dish quite well or marinate the chicken ahead of time and also make (do not add the cream) and freeze the sauce beforehand.

When you are ready to serve, just grill the chicken and heat through the gravy, add the cream and mix the chicken and gravy, then serve. Serve Chicken Tikka Masala with hot Naan (leavened Tandoor-baked flatbread).

Ingredients

  • For the chicken marinade:
  • 1 cup fresh yogurt (should not be sour)
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsps ginger paste
  • 3 tbsps garlic paste
  • 3 to 4 tbsps garam masala
  • 6 peppercorns/ 2 dry red chilies
  • 3 tbsps lime/ lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp orange food coloring
  • 1 kg chicken (breast or thigh) skinless and cut into 2" chunks
  • For the gravy:
  • 2 medium-sized onions finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic chopped fine
  • 5 pods cardamom
  • 1 tin (400 gms approx) chopped tomatoes or 6 medium-sized fresh tomatoes chopped fine
  • 2 tbsps garam masala
  • 2 tsps soft brown sugar
  • 1 cup single cream
  • 3 tbsps almonds blanched and ground to a paste
  • 3 tbsps vegetable/ canola/ sunflower cooking oil
  • Salt to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Grind the chopped coriander (keep some aside for garnishing) and all other marinade ingredients (except yogurt) to a smooth paste in a food processor.

  2. Pour the above mix into a large bowl and add yogurt. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Allow to marinate overnight.

  3. Thread the chicken onto skewers and keep ready.

  4. Preheat your oven or grill to medium-high (200 C/400 F/Gas Mark 6). Place the skewers on the grill racks in your oven with a tray underneath to catch drippings. Roast open till the chicken is browned on all sides and tender. Keep aside.

  5. Heat the oil in a deep pan on a medium flame and add the onion. Cook till soft.

  6. Now add the cardamom and the garlic. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes.

  7. Add the garam masala, brown sugar, tomatoes, almonds and mix well. Cook till the tomatoes are soft and a thick paste forms.

  8. Add the grilled Chicken Tikka (chunks/ pieces) and stir. Cook for 10 minutes.

  9. Add the cream and mix well. Turn off the flame. Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with Naans.

Recipe Variation

For a smokier chicken flavor:

  • Make a small bowl out of aluminum foil and place on top of the cooked Chicken Tikka Masala when it is cooked.
  • While you are cooking the curry, burn a golf ball-sized lump of coal till red hot. Place this piece of coal in the foil 'bowl' and immediately cover the chicken dish.
  • Allow to stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, remove coal and foil 'bowl', garnish Chicken Tikka Masala and serve.