|September 26, 2022

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE (ORIGINS, INGREDIENTS & MORE!)

Chicken Tikka!

Does the very name make you instantly hungry? Does your mouth start watering involuntarily without you even realizing it? 

Well, guess what? You're not alone! 

When it comes to Indian non-vegetarian cuisine, along with Butter Chicken Masala, there are very few dishes considered more beloved than the legendary Chicken Tikka Masala. After getting marinated in an exotic blend of Indian spices, the chicken is then cooked to perfection in a tandoor, oven, or grill. A spicy sauce or curry called tikka masala is then combined with the well-marinated chicken. 

In the traditional Indian chicken tikka masala recipe, Indian spices are mixed with onion and tomato to create a silky sauce for Tikka Masala. You'll find several permutations and combinations of this iconic Indian chicken masala dish, for instance, Tikka Tandoori Chicken or Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala, at most Indian restaurants worldwide. 

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Do you have the dish right now? Search for "Chicken Tikka Masala near me" on Google, and the list of the best restaurants offering this delicacy in your local area will instantly pop up.

Let's now know more about its origin and the ingredients used for Chicken Tikka Masala.

Origin of Chicken Tikka Masala

The origins of Chicken Tikka have been debated for a long time, even though the dish is said to have English influences. According to a few sources, it first appeared due to a fortunate accident in Punjab, India. Then a few others say it originated in the United Kingdom's South Asian community.

Another popular legend says that Chicken Tikka was invented in Scotland initially (accidentally instead!). To satisfy huge customer demand, a British Pakistani cook specializing in chicken tikka decided to drizzle it with tomato cream sauce. It is said that this particular modification to the original Tikka Masala recipe has not been tinkered with since it became wildly successful in almost all Indian restaurants across the world.

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE (ORIGINS, INGREDIENTS & MORE!)

When it comes to Indian non-vegetarian cuisine, and Butter Chicken Masala, very few dishes are considered more beloved than the legendary Chicken Tikka Masala. This article discusses its origin and the ingredients used for Chicken Tikka Masala.
Print Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala

  • 3 cups - Boiled water in a large utensil
  • 2 cups - Chicken cubes
  • 1 tbsp - Ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp - Garlic paste
  • 12 tbsp - Salt (or, as per individual requirements)
  • 1 tbsp - Butter
  • 2 tbsp - Alcoeats Easy Indie Bowl Spicy Chicken Gravy Mix with heavy whipping cream
  • Garam masala powder of the best quality

Method of preparation 

If you're searching for the best chicken tikka masala recipe, you've arrived at the right place!

  • Marinate the chicken (preferably overnight) or as long as you can.
  • You can either bake or grill chicken cubes as per your liking. Using Skewers for grilling is another option.
  • Use the Alcoeats Easy Indie Bowl Spicy Chicken Gravy Mix to prepare some tikka masala or gravy.
  • Mix the chicken pieces with tikka masala sauce.
  • Heat oil in a large pot. Drop in some cumin seeds.
  • Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until they turn golden brown and you start getting their combined smells.
  • Fry over low heat till they become transparent.
  • You can add some yogurt or sour cream, tomato sauce, and any Indian spice blend (like chili powder, turmeric, tandoori masala, and coriander powder) to suit your taste preferences.
  • Toss all the ingredients together and cook on medium flame.
  • Add the cooked chicken tikka and roasted veggies after 5 minutes of boiling.
  • Add butter according to your preferences.
  • Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala steaming hot with either rice or naan.

Wrapping up

So that's it!

You now know everything about India's Chicken Tikka Masala found in almost every good restaurant in India and across the world. The recipe for preparing delicious and mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala is quite simple, and the dish remains the best meal that can be served for either lunch or dinner or any special occasion. You can eat this dish any time of the week and be completely satisfied with its taste and exotic flavors.

frequently asked questions

What does chicken tikka masala consist of?
What is the origin of chicken tikka masala?
What makes tikka masala different?
Is chicken tikka masala extremely spicy?
Which is healthier, butter chicken or tikka masala?

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