Chicken Tikka Masala – The World’s Favorite Indian Curry

 

🌍 Country of Origin:

India (with British influence) – While its roots are Indian, Chicken Tikka Masala gained international fame in the UK and is now considered a symbol of Indo-British fusion cuisine.

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🍛 What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken Tikka Masala features tender chicken chunks, marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to perfection, then simmered in a creamy tomato-based curry sauce. It's rich, mildly spicy, and full of aromatic Indian spices.

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🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the chicken marinade:

500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken (breast or thigh), cut into cubes
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt to taste

For the masala sauce:

2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 cup tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

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🔪 How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices.
Add chicken pieces, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill the marinated chicken on skewers or pan-fry in a hot skillet until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Masala Sauce

Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, sauté until golden brown.
Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
Add spices (garam masala, cumin, paprika, chili powder). Stir for 30 seconds.
Add tomato puree and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Pour in cream and water. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring.
Add cooked chicken tikka to the sauce. Simmer together for 8–10 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Taste and adjust salt/spice level.
Garnish with chopped cilantro.

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🍚 Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Tikka Masala hot with:

Steamed basmati rice
Garlic naan or chapati
A side of cool cucumber raita or pickled onions

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📖 Cultural Insight

Although Chicken Tikka Masala has become a British favorite, its soul is rooted in Indian spice culture. It represents the harmony between tradition and innovation, especially in multicultural communities.

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📝 Final Thoughts

This dish is bold yet comforting, rich yet balanced—a true icon of global cuisine. Whether you're introducing readers to Indian flavors or offering a hearty weekend recipe, Chicken Tikka Masala is a guaranteed hit.