Chicken Tikka Recipes

The Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: A Culinary Journey to India

Prep Time: 1 hr Cook Time: 45 mins Serves: 6 Difficulty: Medium
Rich and creamy Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala

Experience the pinnacle of Indian cuisine with this meticulously crafted chicken tikka masala recipe. This dish combines tender, chargrilled chicken tikka pieces with a rich, aromatic tomato-based curry sauce, creating the perfect balance of flavors that has made this dish a global sensation.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka

  • 800g chicken thighs, boneless
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Masala Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 6 tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon kasoori methi
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Spice Blend

  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    Mix all chicken tikka ingredients. Marinate chicken for 4-6 hours or overnight for best results.

  2. Grill the Chicken

    Grill marinated chicken until charred and cooked through. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

  3. Prepare the Sauce Base

    Sauté onions until golden, add ginger-garlic paste, then add tomato puree and spices. Cook until oil separates.

  4. Create the Creamy Sauce

    Add cream, honey, and kasoori methi. Simmer until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.

  5. Combine and Finish

    Add grilled chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with cream and coriander leaves.

Pro Tips

  • Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and tender results
  • Charring the chicken adds essential smoky flavor
  • Blend the sauce for extra smoothness if desired
  • Balance flavors with cream and honey at the end
  • Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving

Variations

  • Extra Rich: Double the cream quantity
  • Smoky Version: Add charcoal dhungar
  • Lighter Option: Use yogurt instead of cream
  • Vegetarian: Substitute with paneer