Discover the Rich Taste of Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Curry!

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Chicken Tikka Masala Curry is a dish that transcends borders, bringing together vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you're a fan of traditional Indian cuisine or simply someone who enjoys a good curry, Chicken Tikka Masala has a unique blend of spices that creates a warm, comforting, and flavorful meal. The origins of this dish may be debated, but one thing is certain—it's a favorite across the globe. This version of Chicken Tikka Masala combines the rich, creamy texture of yogurt with the deep flavors of a well-spiced curry, making it an irresistible choice for dinner.

This dish brings together a delightful combination of ingredients that work harmoniously to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. The tender chicken, marinated in yogurt and curry paste, absorbs all the spices before being cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. Ground almonds add an extra layer of creaminess, while fresh coriander gives it a bright, fresh touch. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this Chicken Tikka Masala is sure to satisfy your craving for something warm and spicy.

Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala Curry

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 500 g raw chicken breast or leftover/rotisserie chicken
• 2 tablespoons curry paste (homemade or shop-bought)
• 120 ml plain yogurt

For the curry:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
• 2 cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Handful of fresh coriander stems, chopped
• 1 tablespoon curry paste (homemade or shop-bought)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 400 g passata
• 40 g ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• Handful of fresh coriander leaves

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of curry paste with 120 ml of plain yogurt to create the marinade. Slice the chicken breast into chunks and coat them well in the marinade. For leftover or rotisserie chicken, slice or shred before marinating. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Be careful not to over-marinate, as it may make the chicken mushy.
2. Prepare the curry base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until the onions begin to caramelize.
3. Add the spices: Once the onions are golden brown, stir in the lemon juice, coriander stems, 1 tablespoon of curry paste, garam masala, paprika, and cinnamon. Gently fry for a few minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in the passata and stir in the ground almonds. Let the sauce simmer gently and remove it from the heat to cool slightly.
5. Cook the chicken: You can either add the marinated chicken directly to the sauce or griddle it separately for a more charred flavor. To griddle, heat a separate pan until very hot and cook the chicken on both sides until browned, then set aside.
6. Finish the sauce: Stir 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt into the slightly cooled sauce and mix well.
7. Combine: Add the cooked or raw marinated chicken (and all the marinade, if not griddled) into the sauce along with a handful of fresh coriander leaves. Stir everything together and bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
8. Cook and serve: If you added raw chicken, let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes to ensure it's cooked through. Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot, garnished with extra coriander leaves, alongside rice or naan bread.

Conclusion:

Chicken Tikka Masala is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. The yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, while the spices and curry paste bring a deep, rich taste to the sauce. This comforting curry can be tailored to your liking—whether you prefer it mild or with an extra kick of spice, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold night. Make it once, and it will surely become a staple in your kitchen!

For making a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala, there are several excellent recipes and resources you can refer to online. You can start with RecipeTin Eats which offers a detailed method, emphasizing the importance of a creamy sauce and the use of yogurt in marinating the chicken. The recipe suggests blending the curry sauce for a smooth texture and using ghee or butter for rich flavor​(RecipeTin Eats).

Another great option is Swasthi’s Recipes, which highlights the versatility of cooking methods such as grilling, air frying, or pan-searing the chicken tikka before adding it to the masala. This version also includes tips for making cashew cream if you prefer a dairy-free alternative​(Swasthi's Recipes).

If you're a fan of Jamie Oliver’s style, his Tikka Masala recipe includes a homemade curry paste and encourages using flaked almonds for garnish. It’s a more accessible version with lots of flavor packed into a shorter cooking time​(Jamie Oliver).

Lastly, Allrecipes provides an easy-to-follow recipe with tips for grilling the chicken and making the rich, tomato-based masala sauce​(Allrecipes). These sources provide everything from traditional methods to convenient shortcuts for cooking this beloved dish.