Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala with Tomato Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of India with this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe that combines succulent marinated chicken pieces with a creamy tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and pairs wonderfully with naan or pilaf rice. The marinade ensures tender chicken, while the homemade tomato sauce delivers depth and flavor that will delight your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
28
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into 1-inch cubes)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (preferably kashmiri type)
yogurt
4 tablespoons (plain)
double cream
7 tablespoons
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
mustard oil
1 tablespoon
garlic paste
2 teaspoons
ginger paste
2 teaspoons
coriander seeds
1 teaspoon (ground)
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (ground)
paprika
1 teaspoon
garam masala
1/2 teaspoon
dried fenugreek leaves
1 teaspoon (crushed (kasoori methi))
salt
to taste
ghee
12 tablespoons
cinnamon stick
5 cm
bay leaves
2
cloves
4
green cardamom pods
4 (slightly crushed)
black peppercorns
4
tomatoes
1 3/4 lbs (cut in half)
onions
4 ounces (finely chopped)
blanched almonds
1 ounce (toasted)
desiccated coconut
2 tablespoons
honey
2-3 teaspoons (to taste)
processed cheese slice
1
coriander leaves
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Chicken Tikka Masala?
The recipe uses 1 lb of boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes.
What ingredients are used for the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of lemon juice, red chili powder, plain yogurt, and ginger-garlic paste.
What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of plain yogurt for the marinade.
How is the tomato sauce made creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of double cream, processed cheese, and desiccated coconut.
Which whole spices are included in the aromatic base?
The base uses a cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cloves, green cardamom pods, and black peppercorns.
What is kasoori methi?
Kasoori methi refers to dried fenugreek leaves, which are crushed and added for a traditional aromatic flavor.
Is there any sweetener in the sauce?
Yes, 2-3 teaspoons of honey are added to taste to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What kind of oil or fat is used for cooking?
The recipe uses a combination of mustard oil for the marinade and 12 tablespoons of ghee for the sauce.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 1 3/4 lbs of tomatoes, cut in half, to create the base of the sauce.
What role does the processed cheese slice play?
The cheese slice helps to thicken the sauce and add a unique richness and smooth texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies boneless breast, chicken thighs can be substituted for a more succulent result.
What provides the red color in the tikka masala?
The color comes from red chili powder (preferably Kashmiri), paprika, and tomato paste.
How many fresh tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 pounds of fresh tomatoes.
What nuts are used in this version?
One ounce of toasted blanched almonds is included in the ingredient list.
What is used for the final garnish?
The dish is finished with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Is the garlic and ginger fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons each of garlic paste and ginger paste.
What type of chili powder should I use?
Kashmiri red chili powder is recommended for its vibrant color and moderate heat.
How much double cream is required?
The recipe uses 7 tablespoons of double cream to achieve a rich consistency.
Are the cardamom pods used whole?
The 4 green cardamom pods should be slightly crushed before being added to the sauce.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice?
Lemon juice is used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and add a bright acidity.
What are the ground spices used in the sauce?
The ground spices include coriander seeds, cumin seeds, paprika, and garam masala.
What should I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
This dish pairs wonderfully with naan bread or pilaf rice.
Does this recipe contain coconut?
Yes, it includes 2 tablespoons of desiccated coconut.
How many cloves are needed for the spice mix?
The recipe calls for 4 whole cloves.
Is mustard oil necessary?
Mustard oil provides a traditional pungent flavor to the marinade, though it can be substituted if unavailable.
How are the onions prepared?
Four ounces of onions should be finely chopped for the sauce base.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be cut into approximately 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has layers of spices like chili and garam masala, but the cream and honey help balance the heat.
Can I substitute the ghee?
While ghee provides the most authentic flavor, you could use unsalted butter or a neutral oil.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This detailed recipe utilizes 28 different ingredients to create its complex flavor profile.