Chicken masala and chicken tikka masala are two popular Indian chicken dishes that are often confused with each other. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences between these curries that set them apart. In this article, we’ll break down what makes each dish unique.
Chicken Masala
Chicken masala is a spicy chicken curry dish that originated in Northern India. Its defining ingredients are a onion-tomato gravy base yogurt and spices like coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, garam masala, turmeric, and bay leaves.
To make chicken masala, boneless chicken pieces are marinated in the yogurt and spices. The chicken is then cooked until tender before being added to the gravy The gravy is made by sautéing onions, tomatoes, and spices together. Some recipes also include cashew nuts or almonds for added creaminess
Overall, chicken masala has a rich, creamy, and mildly spicy flavor. It’s known for being very aromatic from the abundance of spices used. The taste can vary from mild to very spicy depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. It consists of boneless chicken tikka (pieces of marinated chicken that are grilled or baked) served in a creamy tomato-based gravy.
The origin of chicken tikka masala is debated, but it likely originated in Punjab region between India and Pakistan. It rose to popularity in the UK in the 1970s and is now considered one of the national dishes of Britain.
To make chicken tikka masala, chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. The chicken tikka is then grilled or baked until charred and cooked through. Next, the chicken tikka is added to a gravy made from tomatoes, cream, spices like garam masala and chili powder, and often fenugreek leaves.
The hallmarks of chicken tikka masala are the smoky grilled flavor of the chicken and the creamy, mildly spicy tomato-based gravy. It has a more robust smoky flavor compared to chicken masala. The taste can range from mild to moderately spicy.
Key Differences
While both chicken masala and chicken tikka masala are creamy, tomato-based chicken curries, there are some notable differences:
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Main protein: Chicken masala uses boneless chicken chunks, while tikka masala uses grilled/baked chicken tikka.
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Cooking method: Chicken tikka is grilled/baked before adding to gravy, giving it a smoky flavor. Chicken masala’s chicken is cooked directly in the gravy.
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Spice level: Chicken tikka masala is often milder compared to chicken masala.
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Origin: Chicken masala is derived from Northern India, while chicken tikka masala comes from Punjab/UK.
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Texture: Chicken tikka masala often has more tender, juicy chicken pieces compared to chicken masala.
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Flavor profile: Chicken tikka masala has a prominent smoky tandoori flavor, while chicken masala focuses more on aromatic spices.
Tips for Making Chicken Masala and Tikka Masala
Here are some tips to make authentic, flavorful chicken masala and chicken tikka masala at home:
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Use good quality spices and grind them fresh if possible.
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Marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight to maximize flavor.
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Cook the gravy base well to build deep flavor. Cook onions until caramelized.
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For tikka masala, grill or broil the chicken tikka until charred for smoky flavor.
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Finish the gravy with butter, cream, or coconut milk for richness.
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Adjust spice levels to taste. Use more chili peppers or chili powder for extra heat.
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Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.
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Serve with naan, basmati rice, or Indian flatbreads.
With the right techniques and ingredients, you can make restaurant-quality chicken masala and chicken tikka masala at home! Let us know if you have a favorite recipe or variation.
The Origin Of Chicken Tikka Masala
As we’ve eluded to, the origin story of the chicken tikka masala is the stuff of legends. While many people assume that this dish originated in India, the most popular origin story places its roots in Scotland when a Bengali chef had to improvise in a jiffy. Today, many consider it to be the national dish of the UK. The dish is celebrated for embracing the diverse and ancient heritage of the islands.
However, there is considerable debate around this topic. Due to its complex history, widespread adoption, and variety of preparation, the dish’s exact beginnings may never be fully known.
No discussion of chicken tikka masala history is complete without the story of the Ali family. On a dark and stormy Glasgow night in 1971, an off-duty bus driver stopped in at a local Indian restaurant for a plate of chicken curry. The chef, Ali Ahmed Aslam, delivered his dish, but the bus driver was displeased and returned it for being too dry.
In a pinch, Ali used what he had on hand – a simmering, creamy tomato soup – to moisten the dish. The bus driver enjoyed his new plate so much that he regularly returned for years, bringing his friends and family to enjoy Ali’s new creation. Thus, chicken tikka masala was born.
Of course, there are those who doubt the veracity of this tale. Some food historians claim that the dish is simply a toned-down version of similar, spicier dishes in the Punjab regions of India. They believe the dish dates back much further, possibly even originating in the 1940s.
So, while some say the dish began in Britain, it still originated from Bangladeshi chefs who devised it as a means of pleasing the milder Scottish palate.
Whatever the case, nearly everyone agrees on a few key points. First, the dish involves chicken tikka (small pieces or bits of meat) and creamy tomato masala. Second, chicken tikka masala is now a delicious, worldwide favorite among the wide offerings of Indian cuisine. Indian restaurants from North America to Asia prepare it as a feature dish, and some of the world’s top chefs offer it on their menus.
Along with vindaloos and butter chicken, it is likely the most widely known Indian dish on Earth. This brings up the much-debated question: what’s the difference between chicken tikka masala and butter chicken?
Butter Chicken Vs Chicken Tikka Masala
FAQ
Is chicken masala the same as chicken tikka masala?
Unlike Chicken Marsala, which is named after the wine used in the recipe, Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that consists of chunks of marinated chicken enveloped in a creamy, heavily-spiced, tomato-based curry sauce. It owes its name to that heavily-spiced sauce, as masala is an Indian term for a mixture of spices.
Is tikka masala the same as chicken marsala?
They’re completely different. Chicken marsala is an Italian dish with mushrooms and wine sauce. Chicken tikka masala is Indian, with a spiced tomato and cream sauce.” “It’s interesting though, they’d be so similar, isn’t it? And I always thought okay, Chicken Marsala.
Which is spicier, tikka or masala?
While tikka masala is on the spicier side, is made with boneless chicken and has a chunky sauce due to the usage of chopped onions. It is also cooked in oil and sometimes a small amount of butter is used.
What is chicken masala made of?
Chicken masala is typically made with chicken, various spices (including garam masala), onions, tomatoes, and sometimes yogurt or cream. The specific spices used can vary, but often include coriander, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and red chili powder.