Spiced Chicken Meatball Tikka Masala
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Spiced Chicken Meatball Tikka Masala. Tender ground chicken meatballs are paired with a luscious, spiced sauce made from fragrant tomatoes, heavy cream, and a blend of traditional Indian spices. The combination of aromatics, fresh herbs, and the warmth of spices will transport your taste buds to the heart of India. Serve over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread for a complete meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a delightful family dinner. Share this comforting dish with friends and family, and enjoy the depths of flavors in every bite.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground chicken
2 lbs (raw)
Egg
1 large (beaten)
Plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon (for meatballs; 2 tablespoons for sauce)
Salt
2 teaspoons (divided)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Garam masala
2 teaspoons (divided)
Fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped; plus 3/4 cup for sauce)
Ghee or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
Yellow onion
1 small (diced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Serrano chilies or Thai peppers
1-3 (sliced)
Fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
Ground turmeric
2 teaspoons
Curry powder
1 teaspoon
Ground cardamom
1 teaspoon
Ground coriander
1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed tomatoes
1 (28 oz) can
Heavy cream
1 cup
Cilantro leaves
for garnish
Basmati rice
for serving (cooked)
Naan bread
for serving (warmed)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, plain breadcrumbs, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, garam masala, and 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2
Shape the chicken mixture into meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball. Set aside.
3
Heat a large skillet with high sides over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of ghee (or vegetable oil). Once the ghee is hot, sear the meatballs in batches for about 8 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve a golden-brown exterior. They don’t need to be cooked through, just seared. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of ghee or oil. Once heated, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced chilies. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
5
Stir in the freshly grated ginger, ground turmeric, curry powder, ground cardamom, remaining garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the tomato paste to darken slightly.
6
Add the entire can of crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
7
Once simmering, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 3/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Mix well.
8
Carefully add the seared meatballs back into the sauce. Lower the heat and let them simmer for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.
9
Once cooked, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve warm with basmati rice and naan bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
21.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Chicken Meatball Tikka Masala?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato and cream sauce, served typically with basmati rice or naan.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are 300 calories per serving in this recipe.
How much protein does this dish contain?
This recipe contains 21.7g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the Spiced Chicken Meatball Tikka Masala?
The dish contains 16.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What ingredients are needed for the meatballs?
The meatballs require ground chicken, egg, plain breadcrumbs, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, garam masala, and fresh cilantro.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The combination of egg and plain breadcrumbs acts as a binder to keep the chicken meatballs together during searing and simmering.
What should I use to sear the meatballs?
You can use 2 tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
How long should I sear the chicken meatballs?
Sear the meatballs for about 8 minutes, turning halfway through, until they achieve a golden-brown exterior.
Do the meatballs need to be fully cooked during the searing phase?
No, they only need to be browned on the outside. They will finish cooking through while simmering in the sauce.
What aromatics are used in the Tikka Masala sauce?
The sauce uses diced yellow onion, minced garlic, sliced serrano or Thai peppers, and freshly grated ginger.
What spices are included in the Tikka Masala sauce blend?
The blend includes ground turmeric, curry powder, ground cardamom, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes.
What does it mean to 'bloom' the spices?
Blooming involves cooking the spices in oil or ghee for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
What type of tomatoes are best for this sauce?
A 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes provides the perfect consistency for this thick, luscious sauce.
How is the sauce made creamy?
One cup of heavy cream is stirred into the tomato and spice mixture to create the signature Tikka Masala texture.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the sauce for approximately 30 to 40 minutes on low heat.
How can I tell when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are fully cooked through.
What is a good substitute for ghee?
Vegetable oil can be used as a direct replacement for ghee in this recipe.
What kind of chilies should I use for the heat?
You can use 1 to 3 serrano chilies or Thai peppers, depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
What should I serve with Spiced Chicken Meatball Tikka Masala?
It is best served over fluffy basmati rice and alongside warm naan bread.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Fresh cilantro leaves are used to garnish the dish just before serving.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, while it contains spices, the heat can be adjusted by using fewer chilies, making it a comforting and delightful meal for families.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken with similar results.
How much tomato paste is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons: 1 tablespoon for the meatball mixture and 2 tablespoons for the sauce.
How much cilantro is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 3/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro stirred in with the heavy cream.
What size should the chicken meatballs be?
The chicken mixture should be shaped into meatballs roughly the size of a golf ball.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Absolutely, the rich, warm spices and creamy sauce make it a very comforting and hearty meal.
What is the role of ginger in this recipe?
Freshly grated ginger adds a bright, aromatic heat that complements the earthy Indian spices.
Can I make this recipe in a single pan?
Yes, a large skillet with high sides is used for searing the meatballs and preparing the sauce, making it a convenient one-pan-style meal.
What provides the yellow color to the Tikka Masala sauce?
The ground turmeric and curry powder contribute to the vibrant color and deep flavor profile of the sauce.