Your Go-To Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Picklelicious Curries
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Dreaming of the perfect curry night at home? The Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is proud to be the UK’s favorite takeaway: creamy, aromatic, and comforting. Whether you’re after that iconic takeaway vibe or a healthier home-cooked version, this guide will walk you step by step through the best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, plus handy tweaks and expert tricks. Ready for a new go-to? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Where Did Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Begin?
The Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe tells the story of cultural fusion at its most delicious. Although similar dishes exist across South Asia, legend has it that the now-familiar Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe was born in 1970s Glasgow. A chef, faced with a customer’s complaint that his chicken tikka was too dry, whipped up a sauce of tomato soup, cream, and spices, and the rest is history. It’s a fusion masterpiece, a beautiful blend of Indian spices and British preferences. It’s a curry house staple, and many proudly claim Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe as Britain's national dish.
British vs Indian Styles
A traditional Indian Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe often relies on fresh tomatoes and creamy cashew paste, resulting in a nutty, rustic finish. Meanwhile, the British Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe version leans into yogurt for richness and sometimes uses passata or tinned tomatoes, along with a swirl of double cream, for that classic orange glow and velvety smooth sauce. The result? Comfort, nostalgia, and serious flavour.
Ingredients
A foolproof Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe starts with fresh, readily-available ingredients found in all UK supermarkets and Asian groceries.
For the Marinade
600g boneless chicken thighs (halal, fresh or frozen)
120g Greek yoghurt or plain natural yoghurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each minced ginger & garlic)
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp paprika or mild chilli powder (Kashmiri for colour works best)
1 tsp salt
For the Sauce
2 tbsp butter or ghee
1 large onion (~150g), finely chopped
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated)
1 medium green chilli, sliced (optional)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½–1 tsp chilli powder (to taste)
2 tsp garam masala
400g passata OR 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp sugar
100ml double cream (or swap for Greek yoghurt/milk for a lighter Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe)
1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek)
Salt to taste
Note: Always check for halal certification if required. Frozen or fresh chicken is suitable for this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Ready to make a Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe at home? Here’s how:
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix the marinade ingredients well. Coat the chicken thoroughly.
Leave covered in the fridge overnight (12 hours is perfect) for the best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe flavour.
2. Char the Chicken
Preheat the grill or broiler to its highest setting. Thread chicken onto skewers or lay on a lined baking tray.
Grill/char for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until the edges are just starting to char and the chicken is cooked.
3. Build the Sauce
Melt the butter in a large, deep frying pan or shallow casserole.
Sauté onion until golden, then add garlic, ginger, and chilli. Cook for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in remaining spices (cumin, coriander, chilli powder, garam masala), and fry for 1 minute.
Add passata or tomatoes, sugar, and a big pinch of salt. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the cream, kasuri methi, and cook gently for 5 more minutes for the silkiest Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.
4. Combine & Finish
Add the grilled chicken pieces to the pan, with any juices from your tray.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with a drizzle of cream and fresh coriander.
Tip: For chef-quality Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe results, use chicken thighs and char the edges for proper smoky flavour.
Expert Tips
Make your Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe even more delicious:
Marinate Overnight: 12 hours is ideal for tenderness and depth.
Char for Smokiness: A flaming hot grill or barbecue gives your Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe a true restaurant finish.
Use Fresh or Whole Spices: Toast then grind for the most aromatic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe sauce.
Add Grilled Juices: Never waste the flavourful juices from your grill tray—add them to the sauce.
Finish with Garam Masala: Just before serving, sprinkle in a little more for a final, fragrant kick.
Health Swap: For a lower-calorie Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, sub half the cream with Greek yoghurt or semi-skimmed milk.
Variations
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Marinate as above. Add all sauce ingredients (except cream and garam masala) to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. Stir in the cream at the end. Try this BBC slow cooker recipe for inspiration.
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker: Sauté aromatics, add marinated chicken and tomatoes, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Stir in cream or yoghurt afterwards for a fabulously speedy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Use paneer, chickpeas, or firm tofu as alternatives. Substitute dairy with coconut yoghurt or cream for a plant-based take.
Lighter Option: Greek yoghurt can work in both marinade and sauce for a leaner Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe.
Serving Suggestions + Pairings
A perfect Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe complemented with:
Rice: Fluffy basmati or fragrant cumin rice.
Bread: Warm naan, chapati, or even paratha for dunking.
Classic Sides: Cucumber raita, crisp onion salad, and a jar of sweet mango chutney set off your Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe perfectly.
Finish: Pair with mango lassi to cool your palate, or kulfi for a sweet, traditional touch.
Nutrition & Storage
Calories: Most versions of this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe come in around 400–500 kcal per portion (excluding rice/naan).
Fridge: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion and freeze your Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently heat in a saucepan with a splash of water. Stir to prevent sticking. For the creamiest results, avoid the microwave.
Conclusion
There you have it, your ultimate chicken tikka masala recipe for recreating a British-Indian classic at home. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments! Share your curry creations or tag us in your kitchen triumphs.
Craving an even more authentic experience? Don’t just read about it — taste it! Order our chef-crafted Chicken Tikka Masala online now and experience the dish that inspired the recipe. Wakefield delivery available!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chicken tikka masala gluten-free?
Yes, if made with gluten-free spices and cream. However, you need to check the packaged ingredients.
Can I use breasts instead of thighs?
Yes without a doubt, but thighs gare juicier and gives more flavourful taste in chicken tikka masala.
How spicy is it?
It’s mild to medium. However, one can also adjust the the chilli powder to suit your taste.
How do I make it dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free switch to coconut milk or dairy-free yoghurt, and avoid cream.
What is the difference between Chicken Tikka and Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka refers to grilled, marinated pieces, on the other hand Chicken Tikka Masala includes the creamy tomato-based sauce.
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