Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world With its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender, marinated chicken pieces, it’s easy to see why it has gained such widespread appeal. But what exactly goes into this iconic dish? Let’s take a closer look at what chicken tikka masala consists of
The Chicken
The star of the show is obviously the chicken. Boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with lots of flavor.
The most common chicken cuts used are:
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken drumsticks
The chicken is usually cut into bite-sized pieces before marinating. This allows the sauce to coat and cling to the chicken better during cooking.
Popular spices used in the marinade include:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Garam masala
- Chili powder
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Paprika
Once marinated, the chicken pieces are either baked or grilled until lightly charred but still juicy inside.
The Sauce
The rich, creamy, orange-hued sauce is truly the star of chicken tikka masala. It’s what sets it apart from other curries. The sauce usually consists of:
- Diced onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- Spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder
- Heavy cream or coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro
- Sometimes butter or tomato soup
The onions, garlic, and ginger provide an aromatic foundation. The spices add depth of flavor. The tomato puree imparts sweetness, tanginess, and that signature orange color. And the cream lends the luxuriously silky texture.
The exact combination and ratios of ingredients can vary widely between recipes and regions. But those core components above are usually present in some form.
The Assembly
To finish the dish, the baked/grilled chicken pieces are added to the simmering sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up all that rich flavor.
The chicken tikka masala is usually served over a bed of aromatic basmati rice. Naan bread often accompanies it for scooping up every last drop of that incredible sauce! A garnish of chopped cilantro adds freshness and color.
- Marinated, baked/grilled chicken pieces
- A romatic spiced cream/tomato sauce
- Basmati rice
- Naan bread
- Cilantro garnish
It’s the particular combination and preparation of these simple ingredients that create such an unforgettably delicious dish. The spicy, savory chicken pairs so well with the rich, creamy sauce. No wonder it’s become a worldwide sensation!
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Chicken Tikka Masala | Gordon Ramsay
FAQ
What is chicken tikka masala made of?
| Chicken tikka masala | |
|---|---|
| Course | Main course |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Chicken, yogurt, cream, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, chili pepper |
| Variations | Lamb, fish or paneer tikka masala |
What is so special about chicken tikka masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala boasts a harmonious blend of flavors, combining the smoky char of grilled chicken with the creamy richness of the tomato-based sauce. The sauce is mildly spicy, with hints of sweetness from the tomatoes and cream, balanced by the earthiness of the spices.
What’s the difference between chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala?
Chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala are distinct dishes, though they share a common origin in marinated, spiced chicken. Chicken tikka is essentially grilled or roasted, boneless chicken pieces, typically cooked in a tandoor oven, and served without a sauce.
Is tikka masala healthy or unhealthy?
The spices used in Chicken Tikka Masala can help with gut health, skin conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, and oral health, making it a pretty healthy dish!