Best 6 Serious Eats Chicken Tikka Masala Maybe The Best Recipes

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Chicken tikka masala is a mouthwatering classic dish that combines tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, roasted in a tandoor oven, and then simmered in a creamy tomato sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress your family and friends, finding the best recipe for chicken tikka masala can be a delightful culinary adventure. From traditional Indian recipes to modern interpretations with a twist, there are countless variations to explore. Our article aims to guide you through the delectable world of chicken tikka masala, providing insights, tips, and recommendations to help you create the perfect dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA RECIPE



The Best Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe image

The secret to our Chicken Tikka Masala is a salty yogurt-based marinade followed by intense charring on a hot grill.

Provided by J. Kenji López-Alt

Categories     Entree

Time 4h55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (breasts, legs, or a mix), skin removed
3 tablespoons toasted ground cumin
3 tablespoons toasted paprika
2 tablespoon toasted ground coriander seed
2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 cloves garlic, grated on the medium holes of a box grater, divided
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated on the medium holes of a box grater, divided
2 cups yogurt
3/4 cup fresh juice from 4 to 6 lemons, divided
Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use about half as much by volume
4 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, roughly mashed
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • TO COOK UNDER THE BROILER : Line a broiler pan with heavy duty aluminum foil and preheat the broiler to high with the rack set 6 inches below broiler element. Wipe excess marinade off chicken and place on foil-lined pan, flesh side up. Broil until charred and blackened on surface, about 8 minutes (chicken will not be completely cooked through-this is ok). Transfer to cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1045 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 510 mg, Fiber 6 g, Protein 106 g, SaturatedFat 25 g, Sodium 1171 mg, Sugar 9 g, Fat 60 g, ServingSize serves 4 to 6, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

SERIOUS EATS CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA - MAYBE THE BEST



Serious Eats Chicken Tikka Masala - Maybe the Best image

Entered for safe-keeping, by J. Kenji Lopez-Alt of Serious Eats, touted as "The Best Chicken Tikka Masala". Adapted somewhat. He gives 2 ways to finish cooking: on the grill or under the broiler. He recommends pulsing the peeled ginger and garlic in a food processor instead of box-grating them. Can't wait to try this! He recommends bone-in chicken because the meat (especially breasts) is less likely to overcook. For best taste, toast whole seeds and then grind in a spice-dedicated coffee grinder. Preparation time includes 4 hours for marination.

Provided by KateL

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 5h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 22

5 lbs bone-in chicken pieces, skin removed (breasts, legs or a mix)
3 tablespoons toasted ground cumin (whole seed toasted, then ground to yield 3 Tbsp.)
3 tablespoons toasted paprika
2 tablespoons toasted ground coriander (whole seed toasted, then ground to yield 2 Tbsp.)
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon indian red chili powder
8 garlic cloves, grated on the medium holes of a box grater
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated on the medium holes of a box grater (about 2 inches of gingerroot)
2 cups yogurt
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (3-4 lemons)
1/4 cup kosher salt
4 tablespoons ghee or 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons garlic, grated (or crushed)
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated (about 2 inches fresh gingerroot, peeled and grated)
28 ounces whole canned tomatoes, roughly mashed
1/4 cup cilantro leaf, and tender stems roughly chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup lemon juice (1-2 lemons)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
3 cups cooked rice (or as desired) (optional)
6 pieces grilled naan bread (optional)

Steps:

  • Place the chicken pieces on a cutting board with flesh-side up. Score deeply at 1-inch intervals with a sharp knife. Pat dry and place in a large rimmed non-reactive baking dish.
  • MARINADE:.
  • Combine cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric and cayenne in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside 3 tablespoons of spice mixture (for Step 10).
  • Combine remaining 6 tablespoons of spice mixture, 8 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons ginger, yogurt, 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine (or process all in food processor).
  • Pour marinade all over chicken pieces, using hands to coat every surface. Cover loosely and refrigerate. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours, turning occasionally.
  • SAUCE:.
  • Meanwhile, heat ghee or butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until melted and foaming subsides.
  • In clean food processor, pulse garlic to yield 4 tablespoons (or crush in a garlic press). Remove excess of garlic from food processor and add about 2 inches fresh gingerroot cut in small chunks, and pulse until finely grated.
  • Add onions and garlic-ginger mix to the Dutch oven. Cook, stirring frequently, until dark and beginning to char in spots, about 10 minutes.
  • Add reserved spice mixture from Step 3. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan with a spoon.
  • Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, then puree using a hand blender or by transferring to a tabletop blender in batches. (If you use a VitaMix, you will not need to allow the sauce to cool off first.)
  • Stir in cream and remaining 1/4 cup lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, then set aside until chicken is cooked.
  • TO COOK ON THE GRILL:.
  • Light 1 chimney full of charcoal. When all of the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over half of a coal grate.
  • Set cooking grate in place, cover grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes.
  • Clean and oil the grilling grate. (I recommend a GrillGrate.).
  • Wipe excess marinade off chicken and place over hot side of grill, flesh-side down.
  • Grill without moving until well charred, 5-7 minutes.
  • Flip chicken and cook until second side is charred, 4-5 minutes. (Chicken will not be completely cooked through, which is okay). Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest 10 minutes.
  • TO COOK UNDER THE BROILER:.
  • Line a broiler pan with heavy duty aluminum foil and preheat the broiler to high with the rack set 6 inches below broiler element.
  • Wipe excess marinade off chicken and place on foil-lined pan, flesh side up. Broil until charred an blackened on surface, about 8 minutes (but if you have a professional oven broiler, it may take much less time). (Chicken will not be completely cooked through, which is okay.) Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest 10 minutes.
  • FINALE:.
  • Remove chicken from bone using a sharp knife and cut into rough bite-sized chunks.
  • Transfer chicken chunks to pot of sauce.
  • Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until chicken is just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves.
  • Serve immediately with rice or grilled naan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1264.2, Fat 93.5, SaturatedFat 39.4, Cholesterol 389, Sodium 7698.7, Carbohydrate 35.1, Fiber 7, Sugar 14.2, Protein 74.9

THE BEST CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA



The Best Chicken Tikka Masala image

Chicken Tikka Masala is thought to have been created by a Bangladeshi chef in Glasgow in the 1960s. It's a spicy, tomato-based dish seasoned with garlic, ginger, fenugreek and garam masala. In this recipe we used fenugreek leaves for their nutty and slightly minty flavor. If you can't find them, substitute dried mint leaves and a pinch of ground fenugreek. Garam masala is a popular Indian spice blend that usually includes black and white pepper, cloves, cinnamon, mace, cardamom, bay, cumin and coriander. It's pretty easy to find in your local grocery store and most national spice companies.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 1/4 cup whole milk yogurt
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (see Cook's Note)
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cloves garlic, finely grated
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
4 tablespoons ghee (see Cook's Note)
1 large onion, sliced
2 serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded and chopped
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
4 cloves garlic, finely grated
2 teaspoons dried whole fenugreek leaves (see Cook's Note)
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup heavy cream
Chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems, for serving
Basmati rice, for serving
Naan, for serving

Steps:

  • For the chicken marinade: Whisk together the yogurt, ginger, salt, chili powder, garam masala, pepper, turmeric and garlic in a large bowl until combined. Toss the chicken in the spiced yogurt marinade until evenly coated. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours and up to 24. (Overnight works best.)
  • For the sauce: Melt the ghee in a large Dutch oven or wide heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and serrano, season with 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden and beginning to caramelize, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until very fragrant and the ginger starts to turn golden and sticks to the bottom of the pot, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the fenugreek leaves, garam masala, chili powder and paprika and cook, stirring occasionally, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, breaking them up into pieces with a spoon, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced by half and the tomatoes are very tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Let the hot sauce cool for about 5 minutes or so, then transfer it to a blender filling no more than halfway. (If your blender is small, you may need to work in batches.) Remove the center cap from the lid and place it on the blender. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until smooth. Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and puree until creamy. Pour into a clean pot and bring to a simmer. Season with salt.
  • Meanwhile, position a rack directly under the broiler and preheat to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack inside.
  • Arrange the chicken in a single layer on the rack. Broil until the chicken starts to brown in spots, 3 to 6 minutes per side (it will not be cooked through). Remove from the broiler. When cool enough to handle, cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Add the chicken to the simmering sauce, cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Top the chicken and sauce with cilantro. Serve with rice and naan.

AUTHENTIC CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA



Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala image

This authentic chicken tikka masala dish follows an old family recipe.

Provided by Allrecipes

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Indian

Time 3h15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 23

¼ cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast - cut into 1-inch strips
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 green chile peppers, minced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
½ cup tomato paste
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ cup heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ bunch cilantro for garnish

Steps:

  • Combine yogurt, 2 teaspoons garam masala, paprika, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon coriander in a large bowl. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
  • Place chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece, and bake in the preheated oven until browned and no longer pink inside, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir cumin seeds until lightly toasted and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Add onion; cook and stir until onion begins to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chiles and continue to cook until onion is browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Cook and stir tomatoes, tomato paste, and water into onion mixture until tomatoes begin to break down and incorporate into the onion mixture, about 10 minutes.
  • Cook and stir 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, and turmeric into the tomato mixture. Mix in the cooked chicken, add cream, and stir to coat. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and garnish with cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402.6 calories, Carbohydrate 20.5 g, Cholesterol 100.2 mg, Fat 25 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 27.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 926.5 mg, Sugar 10.1 g

CHEF JOHN'S CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA



Chef John's Chicken Tikka Masala image

I probably get more requests for Indian food than any other ethnic cuisine, so I was very excited to be posting this recipe for chicken tikka masala; until I found out it's actually a British recipe. This is usually done with heavy cream, but I like to use coconut milk instead; the subtle sweetness it provides works beautifully with the spices in the dish. Serve with steamed rice.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Indian

Time 1h10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee), or more as needed
1 onion, chopped
¼ cup tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger, or more to taste
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 (13 ounce) can coconut milk
½ cup chicken broth, or as needed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a bowl and drizzle vegetable oil over chicken; toss to coat.
  • Whisk kosher salt, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cardamom together in a small bowl. Season chicken with spice mixture and turn to coat evenly.
  • Melt clarified butter in a large, heavy skillet over high heat. Cook chicken thighs in hot butter until browned on all sides, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. When cool enough to handle, cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
  • Reduce heat under the skillet to medium-high. Stir onion into skillet; saute until onion softens and turns translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add tomato paste and stir. Saute until paste caramelizes, about 5 minutes. Stir garlic and ginger into tomato-onion mixture and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and bring to a boil while scraping the browned bits of food off of the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth; bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors blend and sauce is slightly reduced, about 15 minutes.
  • Stir chicken, any accumulated juices from the chicken, cilantro, and red pepper flakes into tomato mixture; bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until chicken is cooked through and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 625.3 calories, Carbohydrate 19.2 g, Cholesterol 122.4 mg, Fat 48.2 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 33.5 g, SaturatedFat 27.1 g, Sodium 1325.2 mg, Sugar 4.6 g

HOMEMADE CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA RECIPE BY TASTY



Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe by Tasty image

You've been itching for a change recently. You know, something to spice things up and throw a spanner into the monotony of routine. Enter: chicken tikka masala. Sure, it might take two days to throw together, but when you pair it with some fluffy steamed rice or buttery, garlic naan, it's well worth the wait. Don't believe us? Try it yourself!

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h42m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 27

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons paprika
3 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced ginger
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 tablespoon tomato puree
3 ½ cups tomato sauce
1 ¼ cups water
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup fresh cilantro, for garnish
cooked rice, for serving
naan bread, for serving
Bamboo or wooden skewer

Steps:

  • Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Combine the cubed chicken with the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, garam masala, and paprika and stir until well-coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Line a high-sided baking pan or roasting tray with parchment paper.
  • Place the marinated chicken pieces on bamboo or wooden skewers, then set them over the prepared baking pan, making sure there is space underneath the chicken to help distribute the heat more evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, until slightly dark brown on the edges.
  • Make the sauce: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onions, ginger, and garlic until tender but not browned. Add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and garam masala and stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until the spices are fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree, tomato sauce, and 1 ¼ cups of water, then bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Pour in the cream.
  • Remove the chicken from the skewers and add to the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice or alongside naan bread.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 485 calories, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 34 grams, Sugar 10 grams

Tips:

  • Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight or for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavor and make it tender.
  • Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged or powdered options.
  • Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Use a Food Processor or Blender: A food processor or blender can help you quickly and easily create a smooth and flavorful marinade and sauce.
  • Adjust the Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices used based on your personal preference for heat and flavor.
  • Serve with Accompaniments: Chicken Tikka Masala is traditionally served with basmati rice, naan bread, or paratha.

Conclusion:

This recipe provides a detailed and comprehensive guide to creating a delicious and authentic Chicken Tikka Masala dish. With its blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for flavorful Indian cuisine. By following the tips and instructions provided, you can elevate your cooking skills and create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to Indian cooking, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of Indian flavors.

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