Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala is a globally loved dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table. This rich, creamy, and aromatic dish features marinated, grilled chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Whether served with rice or naan, Chicken Tikka Masala is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Indian food.

Chicken Tikka Masala has its roots in Indian cuisine, but the dish as we know it today is believed to have been created in the UK by South Asian chefs. It is said to have originated in the 1960s when a chef added a tomato-based sauce to dry chicken tikka at a diner’s request. Since then, it has become a popular dish worldwide, especially in Britain, where it is often hailed as a national favorite. The blend of Indian spices with a creamy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser and a staple in Indian restaurants globally.

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tbsp lemon juice

- 2 tsp ground cumin

- 2 tsp paprika

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1 tsp turmeric

- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

- 1/2 tsp salt

For the sauce:

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

- 1 tbsp garam masala

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or broiler to high. Grill the marinated chicken pieces for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Spice the Sauce: Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add Tomatoes and Cream: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine and Serve: Add the grilled chicken to the sauce, stir to coat, and let it heat through. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition Value:

1. Chicken Marinade

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces  

 - Calories: 165 per 100g  

 - Carbohydrates: 0g  

 - Protein: 31g  

 - Fat: 3.6g  

 - Sodium: 70mg  

 - Cholesterol: 85mg  

 - Vitamins: B6, B12  

 - Minerals: Phosphorus, Selenium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that helps build and repair muscle tissue.

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt  

 - Calories: 61  

 - Carbohydrates: 4.7g  

 - Protein: 3.5g  

 - Fat: 3.3g  

 - Sodium: 36mg  

 - Cholesterol: 16mg  

 - Vitamins: B2, B12  

 - Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus  

 - Nutritional benefit: Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health and is a good source of calcium.

- 2 tbsp lemon juice  

 - Calories: 6  

 - Carbohydrates: 2g  

 - Protein: 0g  

 - Fat: 0g  

 - Sodium: 0.5mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: C  

 - Minerals: Potassium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Rich in vitamin C, lemon juice boosts immunity and aids digestion.-

- 2 tsp ground cumin  

 - Calories: 16  

 - Carbohydrates: 3g  

 - Protein: 0.8g  

 - Fat: 0.9g  

 - Sodium: 10mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Iron, Magnesium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Cumin is rich in antioxidants and aids in digestion.

- 2 tsp paprika  

 - Calories: 12  

 - Carbohydrates: 2.4g  

 - Protein: 0.6g  

 - Fat: 0.6g  

 - Sodium: 2mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, E  

 - Minerals: Iron  

 - Nutritional benefit: Paprika contains antioxidants and supports eye health due to its high vitamin A content.

- 1 tsp ground coriander  

 - Calories: 6  

 - Carbohydrates: 1g  

 - Protein: 0.4g  

 - Fat: 0.3g  

 - Sodium: 1mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Iron, Magnesium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Coriander is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.

- 1 tsp turmeric  

 - Calories: 8  

 - Carbohydrates: 1.4g  

 - Protein: 0.3g  

 - Fat: 0.2g  

 - Sodium: 2mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: C  

 - Minerals: Iron, Manganese  

 - Nutritional benefit: Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper  

 - Calories: 8  

 - Carbohydrates: 1.4g  

 - Protein: 0.3g  

 - Fat: 0.4g  

 - Sodium: 3mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Potassium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Cayenne pepper boosts metabolism and has anti-inflammatory effects.

- 1/2 tsp salt  

 - Calories: 0  

 - Carbohydrates: 0g  

 - Protein: 0g  

 - Fat: 0g  

 - Sodium: 1160mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: None  

 - Minerals: None  

 - Nutritional benefit: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but should be consumed in moderation.

2. Sauce

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee  

 - Calories: 240 (vegetable oil), 240 (ghee)  

 - Carbohydrates: 0g  

 - Protein: 0g  

 - Fat: 28g (vegetable oil), 28g (ghee)  

 - Sodium: 0mg (vegetable oil), 1mg (ghee)  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg (vegetable oil), 33mg (ghee)  

 - Vitamins: E (vegetable oil)  

 - Minerals: None  

 - Nutritional benefit: Ghee contains healthy fats and supports digestion; vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids.

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped  

 - Calories: 44  

 - Carbohydrates: 10g  

 - Protein: 1g  

 - Fat: 0.1g  

 - Sodium: 4mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: C, B6  

 - Minerals: Potassium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Onions are a good source of antioxidants and support heart health.

- 2 cloves garlic, minced  

 - Calories: 9  

 - Carbohydrates: 2g  

 - Protein: 0.4g  

 - Fat: 0g  

 - Sodium: 1mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: C  

 - Minerals: Manganese  

 - Nutritional benefit: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated  

 - Calories: 5  

 - Carbohydrates: 1g  

 - Protein: 0.1g  

 - Fat: 0g  

 - Sodium: 1mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: C  

 - Minerals: Potassium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Ginger aids digestion and reduces inflammation.

- 1 tbsp garam masala  

 - Calories: 19  

 - Carbohydrates: 4g  

 - Protein: 0.9g  

 - Fat: 0.7g  

 - Sodium: 5mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Calcium, Iron  

 - Nutritional benefit: Garam masala is a blend of spices that provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

- 1 tsp ground cumin  

 - Calories: 8  

 - Carbohydrates: 1.4g  

 - Protein: 0.4g  

 - Fat: 0.4g  

 - Sodium: 5mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Iron, Magnesium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Cumin supports digestion and is a good source of iron.

- 1 tsp ground coriander  

 - Calories: 6  

 - Carbohydrates: 1g  

 - Protein: 0.4g  

 - Fat: 0.3g  

 - Sodium: 1mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Iron, Magnesium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Coriander helps reduce blood sugar and supports digestive health.

- 1 tsp paprika  

 - Calories: 6  

 - Carbohydrates: 1g  

 - Protein: 0.3g  

 - Fat: 0.3g  

 - Sodium: 2mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, E  

 - Minerals: Iron  

 - Nutritional benefit: Paprika boosts metabolism and provides antioxidants.

- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper  

 - Calories: 2  

 - Carbohydrates: 0.4g  

 - Protein: 0.1g  

 - Fat: 0.1g  

 - Sodium: 1mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Potassium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Cayenne pepper enhances metabolism and promotes heart health.

- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes  

 - Calories: 80  

 - Carbohydrates: 19g  

 - Protein: 4g  

 - Fat: 0.8g  

 - Sodium: 560mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C  

 - Minerals: Potassium, Iron  

 - Nutritional benefit: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and support heart health.

- 1/2 cup heavy cream  

 - Calories: 340  

 - Carbohydrates: 2.8g  

 - Protein: 2.1g  

 - Fat: 37g  

 - Sodium: 27mg  

 - Cholesterol: 137mg  

 - Vitamins: A, D  

 - Minerals: Calcium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Heavy cream adds richness and flavor but should be consumed in moderation due to its high fat content.

- Salt and pepper to taste  

 - Calories: 0  

 - Carbohydrates: 0g  

 - Protein: 0g  

 - Fat: 0g  

 - Sodium: Varies  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: None  

 - Minerals: None  

 - Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor, but excessive consumption may increase blood pressure.

- Fresh cilantro for garnish  

 - Calories: 1 per tbsp  

 - Carbohydrates: 0.1g  

 - Protein: 0.1g  

 - Fat: 0g  

 - Sodium: 1mg  

 - Cholesterol: 0mg  

 - Vitamins: A, C, K  

 - Minerals: Potassium  

 - Nutritional benefit: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and supports detoxification.