Quick & Flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe For Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable chicken tikka masala bursts with authentic indian flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich spices mingle in a creamy sauce, creating depth and complexity.

Tender marinated chicken pieces absorb aromatics like garam masala and turmeric.

Each bite promises a culinary journey through traditional northern indian cuisine.

Marination transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

Fragrant herbs and carefully balanced spices elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

What Makes James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala Amazing

• Spice Up Family Meals: Transform ordinary dinners into exciting culinary adventures with this vibrant chicken tikka masala that brings bold Indian flavors to your table.
• Quick and Satisfying Comfort: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques, delivering rich, creamy goodness in just a few simple steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe appeals to both spice lovers and those seeking a mild, creamy chicken dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Nutritious Flavor Explosion: Pack your meal with protein-rich chicken and aromatic spices that not only taste amazing but also provide healthy, wholesome nutrition for the entire family.

What’s Inside James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein and absorbs the rich masala flavors.

• Lime, Oil, Turmeric, Chili: Ingredients that provide zesty, aromatic, and spicy notes to enhance the chicken's taste.

• Onion, Cream, Lemon Juice, Coriander: Components that create a creamy, balanced sauce and add fresh, bright finishing touches to the dish.

How To Make James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, tangy lime juice, and a drizzle of oil. Let the flavors mingle and infuse the meat for maximum taste. The longer you marinate, the more delicious the chicken becomes.

• Chicken
• Spices
• Lime juice
• Oil

Step 2: Sear the Marinated Chicken

Heat a skillet until it’s sizzling hot. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust. The caramelization will lock in the rich, complex flavors. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

In the same pan, sauté finely chopped onions and a hint of chili. The aromatics will create a fragrant foundation for the sauce. Use the remaining oil from the marinade to enhance the depth of flavor.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in turmeric, adding a warm, golden color and earthy undertone. Pour in smooth cream, creating a luxurious sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, developing a rich and velvety consistency.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Carefully return the seared chicken to the pan. Let it simmer in the creamy sauce, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and absorbs all the incredible flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch and Garnish

Brighten the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle chopped coriander on top for a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of authentic Indian-inspired cuisine.

Helpful Tips For James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala

• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight to ensure deep spice penetration and tender meat.
• Prevent Burning: Use medium-high heat when browning chicken to create a golden crust without scorching the spices.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cream quantity to make the sauce thicker or thinner according to personal preference.
• Balance Spice Levels: Reduce or increase chili amount to match your heat tolerance without compromising the authentic taste.
• Elevate Serving Style: Serve over fragrant basmati rice or with warm naan bread to complement the rich, creamy sauce.

Tweak James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala Your Way

• Vegetarian Tofu Masala: Replace chicken with firm tofu, marinate similarly, and follow the same cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Cauliflower Tikka Masala: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the same spice blend and creamy sauce technique.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Serve the masala over spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice for a lighter option.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk to create a lactose-free version that preserves the rich, creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings For James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala

• Pair with Cooling Raita: Whip up a refreshing yogurt-based side with cucumber, mint, and a pinch of salt to balance the spicy tikka masala flavors.
• Complement with Garlic Naan: Soft, warm bread with crispy edges provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce and adds a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Indian Lager: A chilled Kingfisher or Taj Mahal beer cuts through the dish's intensity, cleansing the palate with its light, hoppy character.
• Select Fragrant Basmati Rice: Fluffy, aromatic rice helps absorb the sauce and provides a mild backdrop to the bold, spicy chicken tikka masala.

Store James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala Like A Pro

• Store leftover chicken tikka masala in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken tikka masala to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Warm in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, preventing sauce from scorching.

James Martin Chicken Tikka Masala Q&A

• What spices are traditionally used in chicken tikka masala?

Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder are the key spices that create the signature warm, complex flavor profile of this dish.

• Is chicken tikka masala really an Indian dish?

While it originated in the UK, likely created by South Asian immigrants, it’s now considered a beloved British-Indian fusion cuisine that combines traditional Indian cooking techniques with British tastes.

• How can I make the marinade more flavorful?

Use yogurt as a base, which helps tenderize the chicken. Add fresh garlic, ginger, and lemon juice to enhance the marinade’s depth and help the spices penetrate the meat more effectively.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling spices dance through this classic chicken tikka masala, bringing India’s rich culinary heritage to your kitchen. Creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken create a perfect harmony that promises to delight your senses and transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• 4 chicken breasts, cubed (907 grams)

Spices and Herbs:

• 2.5 centimeters fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red chili, chopped
• 200 milliliters double cream
• 200 milliliters (6.76 fluid ounces) double cream
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 lemon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, lime juice, and oil into a vibrant marinade, thoroughly coating chicken pieces for intense flavor infusion.
2. Heat a skillet until smoking hot, sear marinated chicken chunks to create golden-brown caramelized exterior, developing deep roasted notes. Remove and reserve.
3. In same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and green chilies until translucent and fragrant, releasing aromatic compounds.
4. Sprinkle ground turmeric, creating a rich golden base, then pour heavy cream to form a luxurious, velvety sauce.
5. Gently simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly at medium-low heat.
6. Reintroduce seared chicken into simmering cream sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated and cooks through for an additional 4-6 minutes.
7. Finish dish with fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors, then garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and herbal freshness.

Notes

• Swap yogurt for coconut milk to make the dish dairy-free and add a tropical twist.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy and tender meat that absorbs marinade better.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili quantity or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
• Prep marinade overnight to intensify flavors and create more complex, deeper taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg