Chicken tikka masala
Charred, yoghurt-marinated chicken in a creamy spiced tomato sauce
Marinating the chicken in spiced yoghurt keeps it tender, and a few minutes under a hot grill gives it the smoky char of a tandoor. The sauce is rich but not heavy, finished with a little cream and dried fenugreek leaves.
- Total time
- 55 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
Chicken tikka
Masala sauce
Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Mix 5 ½ oz plain yoghurt, 1 tbsp garlic-ginger paste, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder, 1 tbsp lemon juice and ¾ tsp salt in a bowl. Add 1 ½ lb boneless chicken thighs, coat well and leave for at least 20 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
20 minStep 2: Heat the grill to high. Spread the chicken on a lined tray and grill until charred at the edges and just cooked through, turning once.
12 minStep 3: Meanwhile heat 1 oz butter and 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a deep pan and cook 1 onion until soft and golden. Stir in the rest of the 1 tbsp garlic-ginger paste and cook for a minute.
10 minStep 4: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika and the rest of the 1 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder, then pour in 14 oz passata with 1 tsp sugar and the rest of the ¾ tsp salt. Simmer until thickened.
10 minStep 5: Blend the sauce smooth if you like, then stir in ½ cup double cream and the grilled chicken with any juices. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
5 minStep 6: Crush 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms over the pan, stir and serve with rice or naan.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 470 kcal
- Protein
- 40 g
- Carbs
- 14 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
Badal Patel
Good to know
- How long does chicken tikka masala take?
- About 55 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of boneless chicken thighs?
- Chicken breast, same weight (cook a few minutes less so it stays juicy).
- What can I use instead of plain yoghurt?
- Greek yoghurt loosened with a little milk.
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