Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe and Tasty Side Dishes Ideas

This classic chicken tikka masala recipe is so simple that you can make this tasty Indian-inspired dish at home with ease.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

- 2 pounds boneless chicken, cut into small pieces

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 2 teaspoons garam masala

- 1 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

- Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 2 teaspoons garam masala

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for better flavor.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken with all the marinade. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Prepare the base sauce: In the same pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and cumin seeds. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add spices: Add garam masala, coriander powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pan. Stir for 30 seconds until the spices smell good. Be careful not to burn them.

5. Build the sauce: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes darker.

6. Finish the dish: Lower the heat and slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix gently. Simmer for 5 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

These helpful tips will make your tikka masala recipe turn out perfect every time. Follow these suggestions to get the best flavors and textures in your homemade chicken tikka masala.

- Marinate chicken for better flavor: Always marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating time gives more flavor to the meat. The yogurt helps make the chicken tender and juicy.

- Use fresh spices when possible: Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference in taste. Freshly ground spices also give a better flavor than old spices. Check the dates on your spice containers.

- Don't skip the tomato paste: Tomato paste adds deep, rich flavor to your sauce. Cook it for a minute before adding other ingredients to remove the raw taste.

- Add cream slowly: Pour heavy cream into the sauce slowly while stirring. This prevents the cream from curdling and keeps your sauce smooth and creamy.

- Adjust spice levels: Start with less spicy ingredients and add more if needed. You can always make it spicier, but you cannot make it less spicy once added.

- Let flavors develop: Allow your sauce to simmer gently. This helps all the flavors come together and makes the sauce thicker and more delicious.

The right side dishes make your tikka masala recipe meal complete and satisfying. These traditional and popular options pair perfectly with the creamy, spiced flavors of chicken tikka masala.

- Basmati rice: This fragrant, long-grain rice is the classic choice. Its light flavor and fluffy texture soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. Cook it with a little salt and butter for extra taste.

- Naan bread: Soft, pillowy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. You can buy it from stores or make it at home. Garlic naan adds extra flavor to your meal.

- Jasmine rice: Another excellent rice option with a slightly sweet smell and sticky texture. It holds the sauce well and complements the spices in your dish.

- Roti or chapati: These thin, round flatbreads are lighter than naan. They are easy to make at home and provide a simple way to enjoy your chicken tikka masala.

- Cucumber raita: This cool, creamy yogurt salad with cucumbers helps balance the warm spices. It adds a refreshing element to your meal and cools your mouth.

- Pickled vegetables: Tangy pickled onions or mixed vegetables add a sharp, acidic taste that cuts through the rich cream sauce. They provide a nice contrast in flavors.

- Steamed vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans add healthy nutrition and different textures to your plate. They also help balance the richness of the dish.

- Papadums: These thin, crispy lentil crackers add a crunchy texture to your meal. They are light and fun to eat alongside the creamy main dish.

If you cook too much chicken tikka masala, don't worry about wasting food. As long as you store it correctly, it can last days in your refrigerator. In fact, the dish actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to blend together.

To store chicken tikka masala in the refrigerator, let it cool down to room temperature first. Put the cooled food in clean containers with tight lids. Your leftover tikka masala will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you want to eat it again, heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.

For longer storage, you can freeze your chicken tikka masala for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and leave some space at the top because food expands when frozen. Write the date on the container so you remember when you made it. To use frozen leftovers, move them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. Then heat it up the same way as refrigerated leftovers. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but the taste will still be delicious.