Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Spicy Indian Magic

Spicing up your dinner with a delectable chicken tikka masala can transform an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Every kitchen should have this vibrant North Indian classic in its repertoire.

Rich, creamy tomato sauce perfectly complements tender marinated chicken pieces.

Aromatic spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will make you swoon.

Marinating meat beforehand ensures deep, complex taste profiles emerge during cooking.

Authentic ingredients promise an incredible dining experience that feels like a journey through india’s diverse culinary landscape.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering dish that brings warmth and comfort to your plate.

All the FAQs on Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala

• Is chicken tikka masala spicy?

The heat level depends on the type and amount of chili powder used. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder to suit your taste preference.

• What does chicken tikka masala taste like?

It’s a creamy, tangy dish with complex spice flavors. The combination of tomato, cream, and aromatic spices creates a rich, slightly sweet, and warmly spiced taste profile.

• Is this dish authentic Indian cuisine?

Chicken tikka masala has mixed origins. While inspired by Indian cooking, it’s actually believed to have been created in the United Kingdom by South Asian chefs adapting traditional recipes for British palates.

Why Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala Is a Must-Make

• Quick Marination Magic: Skip complicated prep by simply mixing marinade ingredients with chicken for incredible flavor development without complex techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline cooking process by using the same pan for searing chicken, sautéing onions, and creating rich, complex sauce, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess.
• Spice Blend Satisfaction: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with an aromatic combination of garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander that delivers authentic Indian flavor profile.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe provides clear, straightforward steps that guarantee delicious results without requiring professional culinary expertise.

Ingredients List for Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the rich marinade and provides the main protein for the dish.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy tang, Lemon Juice: Provides acidity to break down chicken proteins.

• Garam Masala, Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander: Warm and aromatic spices that create the classic Indian flavor profile.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger: Foundational ingredients that build depth and complexity in the sauce.

• Tomato Puree: Creates the rich, smooth foundation of the tikka masala sauce.

• Cream, Water: Helps balance the spice and adjust the sauce consistency.

• Salt, Sugar, Chili Powders: Adds layers of flavor and helps balance the overall taste profile.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps develop the sauce's smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Grab a large bowl and combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. Massage the mixture thoroughly into the chicken pieces, ensuring every bit gets coated. Tuck the marinated chicken into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle for at least an hour.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan until it’s scorching hot. Cook the chicken in batches, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust on each side. Each batch should take about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, melt butter and slowly caramelize the onions. This process takes patience – let them soften and turn a rich golden color over about 35 minutes.

Step 4: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and ginger. Let them dance in the pan for just a minute, releasing their intense fragrance.

Step 5: Toast the Spices

• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Coriander

Stir quickly and toast for about 30 seconds to unlock their deep, complex flavors.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Pour in tomato puree, add chili powders, and season with salt. Let the sauce simmer and develop its rich character for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Creamy Luxury

Stir in heavy cream and a touch of sugar. Gently return the chicken to the pan and let everything meld together for 8-10 minutes.

Step 8: Perfect the Consistency

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Smart Tips for Cooking Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Let chicken sit in marinade for up to 24 hours to intensify spice penetration and tenderize meat.
• Control Spice Level Carefully: Adjust chili powder amounts to match your heat tolerance, adding gradually and tasting while cooking.
• Prevent Dairy Curdling: Use room temperature cream and add slowly while stirring continuously to maintain smooth sauce consistency.
• Maximize Caramelization: Sear chicken at high heat to develop rich golden-brown exterior, creating deeper flavor complexity.
• Choose Authentic Spice Blend: Use freshly ground garam masala for most authentic and vibrant taste profile in the dish.

Alternate Ways to Enjoy Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala

• Vegetarian Tikka Masala: Replace chicken with firm tofu or paneer, marinate using same spices, and follow original cooking method for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tomato puree with roasted red pepper sauce, use cauliflower instead of chicken, and reduce sugar for a keto-friendly adaptation.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream with coconut milk, use olive oil instead of butter, and maintain authentic spice blend for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients except cream in crockpot, cook on low for 6 hours, stir in cream during last 30 minutes for tender, hands-off preparation.

Side Dishes to Pair with Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala

• Pair Vibrant Wines: Choose crisp white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the spicy, creamy chicken tikka masala. These wines complement the dish's rich flavors and cut through its intense spiciness.
• Refresh with Cold Beverages: Select Indian lassi or chilled mango smoothies to cool down the palate. These traditional drinks provide a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the warm, spicy sauce.
• Match with Aromatic Breads: Serve warm naan or garlic butter roti to soak up the delicious masala sauce. These soft, pillowy breads enhance the dining experience by adding texture and absorbing the flavorful gravy.
• Complement with Fresh Salads: Prepare a cucumber raita or mint salad to provide a light, cooling contrast.

Storage Tips for Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack chicken tikka masala in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the dish in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Indian chicken tikka masala delivers a perfect harmony of rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken. Culinary adventurers will savor complex layers of aromatic spices that transport you straight to the heart of traditional Indian cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 28 ounces (800 grams) boneless and skinless chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili
• 1 teaspoon ground red chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Cooking and Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 small onions (or 1 large onion) finely diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic finely grated
• 1 tablespoon ginger finely grated
• 14 ounces (400 grams) tomato puree
• 1 1/4 cups heavy or thickened cream
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro or coriander

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Instructions

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices with chicken pieces. Allow to marinate in refrigerator for 1-2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat a skillet to medium-high. Sear marinated chicken chunks until golden brown and slightly charred, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and slowly caramelize onions, stirring occasionally until deep golden and soft, around 25-30 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant and releasing their aromatic oils, about 45-60 seconds.
5. Sprinkle garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and ground coriander into the pan. Toast spices briefly to enhance their flavors, stirring constantly for 20-30 seconds.
6. Pour tomato puree, incorporate chili powders and salt. Reduce heat and simmer sauce, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken for 12-15 minutes.
7. Gently stir in heavy cream and a pinch of sugar. Return seared chicken to the sauce, allowing it to simmer and absorb flavors for 6-8 minutes.
8. Adjust sauce consistency with water if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use full-fat yogurt to ensure tender, juicy chicken pieces with rich texture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder according to personal heat tolerance.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 427 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg