Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a medium Indian dish that brings authentic flavors and traditional cooking techniques to your kitchen. This recipe combines carefully selected ingredients with time-tested preparation methods to create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe provides clear guidance and helpful tips to ensure success every time you prepare it.

This chicken tikka masala recipe requires 30 minutes of preparation time and 40 minutes of cooking time, making the total time investment approximately 70 minutes. The recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it ideal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or meal preparation for the week ahead. While this recipe requires some intermediate cooking skills and attention to detail, the results are well worth the effort and will impress both family and guests.

The foundation of exceptional chicken tikka masala begins with selecting quality ingredients. This recipe calls for 11 carefully chosen components, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. 3 lbs chicken breast, 2 cups yogurt, 1 cup garam masala form the essential base of this dish, providing the primary flavors and structural foundation. The aromatic blend of Indian spices creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully during cooking. When shopping for ingredients, look for the freshest produce and highest quality proteins to ensure the best results.

The cooking process for chicken tikka masala follows 6 essential steps, each designed to build flavor and achieve the perfect texture. Attention to timing and temperature control ensures that each component cooks to perfection. Moderate cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining the integrity of individual ingredients. The process begins with marinate chicken in yogurt and spices, establishing the foundation for all subsequent steps. The middle stages involve 4 key techniques that transform raw ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful dish. The final steps bring everything together, allowing you to adjust seasoning and presentation for optimal results.

This recipe makes 6 servings, ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing multiple meals in advance. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Each serving contains approximately 385 calories, 32g of protein, 18g of carbohydrates, and 22g of fat, making it a satisfying, balanced meal that provides sustained energy. This recipe can be adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.

For best results, prepare your ingredients in advance (mise en place) to ensure smooth cooking without interruptions. Pay attention to visual and aromatic cues mentioned in the instructions, as these indicators help ensure proper cooking. Pair with naan bread, basmati rice, or roti to soak up the flavorful sauce.