Hen Tikka Masala Recipe – The Large Man’s World ®


This creamy rooster tikka masala recipe tastes BETTER than any Indian restaurant and comes collectively simply and shortly. Serve it over coconut rice for a comfy, comforting meal.

chicken tikka masala.

Hen tikka masala was one of many first curries I realized to make once I first began touring. It’s now a weekly staple in our home, and I can’t stress sufficient how straightforward it’s to impress individuals with this restaurant-style dish.  

Now, opposite to standard perception, tikka masala shouldn’t be really historically Indian. It’s extra standard in Western international locations and was derived in the UK. Regardless, it’s really easy to make and melt-in-your-mouth scrumptious. 

Desk of Contents
  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Substances wanted
  3. The best way to make rooster tikka masala
  4. Butter rooster VS Tikka Masala
  5. Can I take advantage of an prompt pot? 
  6. Recipe ideas and variations
  7. Storage directions
  8. Ceaselessly requested questions
  9. Extra Indian recipes to strive
  10. Hen Tikka Masala Recipe

Why this recipe works

  • It has a wealthy, creamy sauce. Just like paneer tikka masala and chana masala, the sauce is the true stand out of this dish with its wealthy, creamy aromatics.
  • The rooster is ALWAYS juicy. This distinctive methodology of marinating rooster thighs in yogurt ensures the meat stays tender and moist. My household raves about how the meat falls of the bone.
  • Excellent for meal prep. This dish pairs properly with rice and I really wish to prep an enormous batch for simple work lunches.
  • Unbelievable taste. Like every good curry on the market, the longer this sits, the extra flavorful it turns into. 

Substances wanted

Whereas you can also make tikka masala curry paste from scratch, I typically default to a store-bought model to avoid wasting time. Right here’s what it’s essential to get began:

  • Hen thighs. Boneless skinless rooster thighs work greatest, however no stress for those who solely have skin-on thighs. 
  • Yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt types the bottom of the marinade for this dish. It naturally tenderizes the meat. 
  • Salt. Only a pinch. 
  • Tikka masala curry paste. A flavorful paste made with genuine spices and tomato puree. I choose Patak’s, however there are a number of manufacturers out there, together with Sharwood and Maya Kaimal.
  • Curry leaves. To boost the flavour that the masala paste has.  
  • Brown onion. Chopped. 
  • Garlic. Minced. I at all times use contemporary garlic as the flavour doesn’t examine to the dried form. 
  • Chili pepper. Seeded and chopped. For those who can’t tolerate a lot spice, you possibly can go away this out. 
  • Hen broth. Selfmade or store-bought. 
  • Heavy cream. For that wealthy and creamy gravy. For those who’d like this curry to be dairy free, swap it out for full fats coconut milk. 
  • Tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes. 
  • Tomato paste. To not be confused with tomato sauceI like so as to add this to stability out the richness of the gravy. 
  • Olive oil. To sauté the greens. Ghee or butter will work, too. 

The best way to make rooster tikka masala

Step 1- Marinate the meat. Add the rooster thighs to a big bowl together with the yogurt and half of the tikka masala curry paste. Combine properly. Cowl the bowl and let the rooster marinate within the fridge for at the least 10 minutes or as much as 4 hours. 

Step 2- Cook dinner the sauce. Warmth oil in a big skillet and prepare dinner the curry leaves till aromatic. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and chili, and prepare dinner for a couple of minutes. Add the remaining tikka masala paste, rooster broth, diced tomatoes, and paste. Simmer all the pieces on low warmth for round quarter-hour, till the sauce thickens. 

chicken tikka masala sauce in pot.

Step 3- Cook dinner the rooster thighs. Whereas the sauce cooks, warmth some oil in a distinct pan and prepare dinner the rooster thighs on medium-high warmth till they’re golden on each side. Add the rooster to the sauce and simmer all the pieces for round 10 minutes. Stir via the heavy cream and serve instantly. 

chicken simmering in pot with masala sauce.

Butter rooster VS Tikka Masala

There are loads of similarities between these two dishes, together with using rooster, tomatoes and cream. Nonetheless, the primary variations contain their origin and taste.

Butter rooster or Murgh Makhani is thought for its delicate, buttery, barely sweeter cream sauce.

Tikka Masala has British-Indian roots, as evidenced by its reputation in Western international locations. It has a bolder and extra strong taste as a consequence of its use of spices and the pure smokiness of grilled rooster.

Can I take advantage of an prompt pot? 

Sure! Whereas I choose utilizing the stovetop, I do know lots of you’ve requested different cooking strategies, so I’ve examined this precise recipe within the prompt pot, and it solely wants a few tweaks.

Begin by marinating the rooster. Subsequent, saute onions, garlic, and chili within the prompt pot with oil till aromatic. Now, add the rooster and the remaining components and strain prepare dinner for five minutes, then pure strain launch for 10 minutes. Lastly, swap to saute mode, stir within the cream, and prepare dinner till it has thickened. 

Recipe ideas and variations

  • Change your spices. Contemporary ginger is one other basic Indian taste which you can add to rooster tikka masala. It’s also possible to experiment with pink chili powder, cayenne pepper and even paprika to create your personal signature earthy spice profile.
  • Marinate for longer. When you have time or need an ultra-flavorful curry, marinate the rooster within the yogurt and curry paste for as much as 24 hours beforehand. The style is on one other degree!
  • Serve with conventional sides. Garnish this tikka masala with slivered almonds for some crunch or contemporary cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for some freshness. I wish to serve it with basmati rice and naan.
  • Make it dairy-free. You should utilize a coconut primarily based yogurt to marinate the rooster and full-fat coconut milk instead of the heavy cream in case you are catering to a lactose free food regimen. 

Storage directions

To retailer. Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3 to 4 days. 

To freeze. Freeze rooster masala for as much as 3 months. Word that the sauce might endure slight texture adjustments when you defrost it. Thaw frozen rooster tikka masala within the fridge. 

To reheat. Reheat this dish on the range over medium warmth. Add a splash of heavy cream or rooster broth if wanted. 

tikka masala with chicken.

Ceaselessly requested questions

Is rooster tikka masala very spicy?

As a basic rule, rooster tikka masala is just mildly spicy. You can also make it as spicy as you want by utilizing extra chili. 

What’s an alternative choice to tikka masala paste?

For those who don’t have tikka masala paste, use garam masala as an alternative. You may add turmeric, cumin, and floor coriander to the dish. 

Can I take advantage of different cuts of rooster? 

Sure! Boneless skinless rooster breasts, rooster quarters, and rooster drumsticks are all fabulous alternate options to rooster thighs.

Extra Indian recipes to strive

Stop your display screen from going darkish

  • In a big bowl, add the rooster thighs, yogurt, and half the tikka masala curry paste. Cowl the bowl and refrigerate for at the least 10 minutes (or as much as 4 hours), to marinate.

  • Warmth two tablespoons of the oil in a non-stick pan and place over medium warmth. As soon as sizzling, add the curry leaves and prepare dinner till aromatic. Add the onion, chili, and garlic and prepare dinner for 2 minutes or till translucent. Add the remaining tikka masala curry paste, together with the broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cut back the warmth to low and let all the pieces simmer for quarter-hour, or till the sauce has thickened. 

  • In a separate pan, add the remaining oil. Cook dinner the rooster till golden and crisp on the surface. Add the rooster to the sauce and simmer all the pieces collectively for 10 minutes.

  • Stir via heavy cream and serve instantly. 

TO STORE: Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3 to 4 days. TO FREEZE: Freeze rooster masala for as much as 3 months. Word that the sauce might endure slight texture adjustments when you defrost it. Thaw frozen rooster tikka masala within the fridge.  TO REHEAT: Reheat this dish on the range over medium warmth. Add a splash of heavy cream or rooster broth if wanted.

Serving: 1servingEnergy: 303kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 17gFats: 23gSodium: 212mgPotassium: 387mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 5g

Disclosure: This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. I’ll earn a small fee for my endorsement, advice, testimonial, and/or hyperlink to any services or products from this web site.



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