Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe. An easy and manageable recipe. Chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato cream sauce. The end result is the most flavor packed sauce ever and beautifully tender chicken.
…without the tikka or the tandoori.
I’ve recently signed up for emails from America’s Test Kitchen and so far I’m impressed and engaged with the content. The latest included a clip from a television segment featuring an easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. I felt the excitement and adventure of a challenge since I’ve never had Tikka Masala and couldn’t resist the project.
ATK tells us that Tikka Masala is the most popular dish ordered in Indian Restaurants and assures us that after testing many recipes, this Test Kitchen version will yield tender chunks of chicken in a flavorful aroma of seasonings without skewering and can be prepared in our American kitchens without the need of a tandoori oven or vessel.
How to make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Let’s get started.
Using a mixture of cumin, ground coriander, cayenne and salt…
Sprinkle over both sides of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. ATK assures us that the addition of salt and plastic wrap will vibrantly flavor the chicken in this short time.
Mix together plain yogurt, chopped garlic, grated ginger and some vegetable oil. Stir together and let rest so that the flavors can marry while the chicken is flavoring in the refrigerator.
At the end of 30 minutes, remove chicken from refrigerator and slather generously with the yogurt mixture.
Heating some oil in a sauce pan stove top, add finely chopped garlic, a seeded and deveined Serrano pepper, tomato paste, garam masala, grated ginger and chopped onion. Stirring, cook over medium heat until chile and onion are tender and flavors have become fragrant.
Add some crushed tomatoes and continue to simmer on low. Whisk in some cream and keep warm until you add the chicken.
Broil the slathered chicken breasts about six minutes per side, until thermometer reads 160 degrees. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for five minutes and then chop into bite sized pieces. Stir the chicken into the tomato sauce and remove from heat immediately so that chicken will not cook any further. Serve alongside basmati rice.
The verdict:
- Just as promised, I was surprised how flavorful the chicken tasted from its short visit with the spices in the refrigerator sealed under that plastic wrap.
- I was impressed with how the yogurt and olive oil mixture beautifully browned the chicken just as promised.
- It was very good, but never having Tikka Masala before and not being able to compare…we thought the sauce lacked that burst of flavor we were expecting.
- It was somewhat of a lengthy process so I would not recommend this for a weeknight fix.
Recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala
I hope you give this recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating. And leave a comment about the experience you had with the recipe.
And if you have an easy Indian chicken recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.
- Chicken Tikka:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless trimmed of fat
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium garlic cloves about 2 teaspoons, minced or pressed through a garlic press
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Masala Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion about 1-1/4 cups, diced fine
- 2 medium garlic cloves about 2 teaspoons, minced or pressed through a garlic press
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 freswh Serrano chile see note above, ribs and seeds removed, flesh minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala see note above
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes canned
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped, fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- FOR THE CHICKEN: Combine cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt in small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with spice mixture, pressing gently so mixture adheres. Place chicken on plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, oil, garlic, and ginger; set aside.
- FOR THE SAUCE: Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until light golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, chile, tomato paste, and garam masala; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cream and return to simmer. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm.
- While sauce simmers, adjust oven rack to upper-middle position (about 6 inches from heating element) and heat broiler. Using tongs, dip chicken into yogurt mixture (chicken should be coated with thick layer of yogurt) and arrange on wire rack set in foil-lined rimmed baking sheet or broiler pan. Discard excess yogurt mixture. Broil chicken until thickest parts register 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer and exterior is lightly charred in spots, 10 to 18 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through cooking.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then cut into 1-inch chunks and stir into warm sauce (do not simmer chicken in sauce). Stir in cilantro, adjust seasoning with salt, and serve.
This dish is best when prepared with whole-milk yogurt, but low-fat yogurt can be substituted. For a spicier dish, do not remove the ribs and seeds from the chile. If you prefer, substitute 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper for the garam masala. The sauce can be made ahead, refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container, and gently reheated before adding the hot chicken. Serve with basmati rice.
Russ says
March 27, 2011 at 3:21 pmSounds wonderful — even though I really hate yogurt.
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 3:23 pmHave you ever had Greek Style Yogurt???? Ohmygoodness good.
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says
March 27, 2011 at 3:55 pmYour chicken looks so good, so flavorful! And a nice change from the chicken dishes we usually have!
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 7:12 pmIt is a nice change Carol…not sure I’d make it again though.
larry says
March 27, 2011 at 4:08 pmIf you said let’s go to an Indian restaurant, I’d go, but if I were picking it would be something else, so I think I’ll just wait for the makes your eyes roll back in your head dish. 🙂
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 6:53 pmLOL…Love it Larry…couldn’t agree more.
Cooking with Michele says
March 27, 2011 at 4:27 pmI have a cooking philosophy that I’m thinking of naming something like global improv – I look for the key flavor ingredients in various ethnic dishes then set about creating a recipe that’s “close enough” to the real thing, but less work and time. Since Tikka Masala is my favorite Indian dish (along with everyone else I now see!), I’m might have to work on that – will let you know what I come up with!
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 7:14 pmMichele, thanks so much for stopping by and the comment. Love your global improv idea. Please work on Tikka Masala and share the recipe with me! Please. 🙂
UrMomCooks says
March 27, 2011 at 5:03 pmI would love to try this! I have made another version a long time ago, and all I remember is that it took a VERY long time – have not made it again! This flavor profile sounds delicious and ur pics look scrumptious!
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 6:52 pmWell this one, that was advertised as being simple did indeed take about an hour and a half. I’m not sure I’d make this again…but it was tasty. Thank you so much for the compliment on my photos. I’m so nervous with my new camera.
My Kitchen in the Rockies says
March 27, 2011 at 5:38 pmThank you for the shout out, Lea Ann.
You got me hungry now. Fish is on the menu tonight, but I would rather eat your Indian dish. May I can change my plans and add the fish to something Indian inspired? Or I’ll make the Masala sauce and add the fish, should work. Yes, that’s what I will do. Off to the kitchen!
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 6:50 pmWell you’re so welcome Kirstin. As always look forward to your meal and photos.
Ellie (Almost Bourdain) says
March 27, 2011 at 6:19 pmTikka masala is one of my faovurite curry dish. Your first picture is beautiful!
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 6:49 pmThank you so much Ellie. I’m so nervous with my new camera, I so much appreciate your comment.
Lea Ann says
March 27, 2011 at 7:11 pmYou’re so very welcome Ann. Thanks for stopping by.
Vickie says
March 27, 2011 at 8:39 pmFirst of all, this is one of Dana’s favorite dishes and he only gets it when we travel since there are no Indian restaurants here. Secondly, I keep forgetting to look for a recipe and then you just put one right in front of me. And your photographs are great! My two favorites are the first one and the one of the browned chicken. I’m going to surprise Dana with this one. 🙂
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 5:58 amPlease let me know what he thinks. Like I said, I’ve never had it, so don’t know if it’s “right” or not. You may have to adjust the spices. Thanks for the compliment on the photos. That first shot was taken during a colorful sunset. And since I don’t have a lighting set up and haven’t learned the camera all that well yet, I’m at the mercy of nature. Which this time turned out beautifully. My little point and shoot would have turned out a bad photo with this lighting. Besides the photo, didn’t that chicken brown beautifully? Thanks Vickie
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says
March 27, 2011 at 10:06 pmI made something similar recently…because when I saw the individual ingredients I realized I had all everything I needed. I sort of expected I would have to shop for exotic spices. Nope, Just mix some I already had. Makes me want to make it again seeing this…I love it.
Have you had basmati rice? If you make more Indian dishes you must try it. Or wait, I got mine at Costco…I could give you a pound or five!
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 5:53 amI was surprised I had all those spices on hand too Barb. I think all I had to buy was the chicken and crushed tomatoes. I have used basmati and jasmine rice for years. Love the flavor of both. I don’t buy mine at Costco…I’ve seen those huge bags and don’t know where on earth I’d store it. 🙂
My Carolina Kitchen says
March 28, 2011 at 4:00 amThanks for your honest assessment Lea Ann. I don’t have much experience with Indian food, but I love, love, love that palm leaf plate.
Sam
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 5:37 amThanks Sam. I have a small collection of various leaf plates. Whenever I see one I like, I grab it. I don’t have any experience with Indian food and have an Indian client who reads my blog. I’m going to call her tody and see what she thinks about the recipe.
Mary says
March 28, 2011 at 6:00 amIt sounds like you were not completely happy with the results. Would you make this again? It looks wonderful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 6:18 amI’m not sure I’d make it again. Like I said, it was good, but I’ve got other Chicken recipes I’d rather tackle if reserving that much time for a meal. I want to have it at a restaurant and then make my decision to try it again or not…and adjust flavors.
Karen Harris says
March 28, 2011 at 6:39 amI used to always make Chicken Korma for our Indian nights, but we are now stuck on Chicken Tikka Masala. I have seen the episode of ATK when they make this recipe and was wondering how good it was. Thanks so much for your review. I love love love Madhur Jaffrey’s recipe above all others (forgive me ATK). It is a lot of trouble but SO worth it. If you ever feel like tacklng this dish again, give it a try. You can find it on my blog or you can Google it, but don’t give up on this classic. Beautiful photos!
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 6:57 amThank you Karen. When I read this, I ran for my only Jaffrey cookbook and the recipe isn’t there. I don’t want to give up and look forward to preparing hers…which I’m sure is the “real deal”. And thanks for the photo compliment…I was pretty proud of a couple of them.
pam says
March 28, 2011 at 7:40 amThis sounds wonderful and I totally love that first picture!!! Also, I wanted to stop by and thank you for your sweet comments about Scrappycat.
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 7:47 amThanks Pam, I was pretty proud of that photo. Again, so sorry about Scrappy…even with all the memories, you’re going to miss her dearly.
Boulder Locavore says
March 28, 2011 at 8:57 amLove Chicken Tikka! Hope you loved the end result. It looks delicious and love the photos!
Lea Ann says
March 29, 2011 at 5:23 amThanks Toni
biz319 says
March 28, 2011 at 9:14 amI love chicken tikka masala – my version is mostly on the stove top – and the heavy cream is worth it! 😀
http://mybizzykitchen.com/2010/03/09/more-indian-food/
Lea Ann says
March 29, 2011 at 5:23 amI’m convinced I’ll try it again. I’d love to go to a good Indian Restaurant before I do, and see what it’s supposed to taste like. 🙂
Karen says
March 28, 2011 at 1:11 pmI love how nice and brown the chicken is. I might have to slather my chicken in yogurt next time I make it. Love your leaf-shaped bowl, this recipe sounds delish!
Lea Ann says
March 28, 2011 at 4:54 pmI’m thinkin the same thing Karen. 🙂
dan says
March 28, 2011 at 7:23 pmwow! looks great. plus the name sounds cool, which is important.
Lea Ann says
March 29, 2011 at 5:14 amAs always, enjoy your comments Dan!
Lindsey Mendenhall says
March 28, 2011 at 10:02 pmGreat site with adventurous recipes! Can’t wait to try one! Nice to meet you on Sat. And thanks for visiting The Bakery Box! YOUR site is soooo cute!
Lea Ann says
March 29, 2011 at 5:13 amThanks Lindsey. I love our meetups. Thanks for stopping by.
Design Wine and Dine says
March 30, 2011 at 7:45 amWOW, what a wonderful post! My Kitchen in the Rockies (Kristin) has a truly awesome blog! I may have to make this now too, LOVE Indian food!
Lea Ann says
March 30, 2011 at 5:08 pmKirsten’s blog is great! As always thanks for stopping by.
Dave says
March 30, 2011 at 8:51 amWow that looks tasty! I am a big CTM fan, and this recipe sure looks like a winner (nice camera work, BTW).
Lea Ann says
March 30, 2011 at 5:06 pmI want to have it at a good restaurant to make sure I know what it’s supposed to taste like. Then make it to match. Thanks for stopping by.
Chris says
April 3, 2011 at 12:35 pmI have a recipe for this from Raichlen that I’ve been wanting to try on the Big Green Egg since it is similar to a tandori. Yours looks really good and inspired me to hurry up and get to it!