Chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala are two popular Indian chicken dishes that are often confused. While they share some similarities, there are a few key differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll break down what makes each dish unique.
What is Chicken Tikka?
Chicken tikka is a simple grilled chicken dish that originated in India. The name “tikka” comes from the Hindi word for “bits” or “pieces”.
To make chicken tikka boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a spiced yogurt sauce. This marinade usually contains yogurt lemon juice, spices like garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, chili powder, and garam masala. The chicken then gets skewered and grilled in a tandoor oven. The high heat of the tandoor allows the chicken to cook quickly while remaining moist and tender.
The resulting chicken tikka pieces have a charred exterior with a juicy, flavorful interior infused with the marinade It’s an iconic tandoori chicken dish known for its smoky aromas and tastes
Chicken tikka is served as an appetizer or entree. The grilled chicken can be eaten on its own or paired with various sides like rice, naan bread, or salad. It’s a simple preparation that showcases the flavors of the chicken and marinade.
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is a curry dish made by cooking chicken tikka in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. It likely originated decades ago in Indian restaurants in Britain.
To make chicken tikka masala, boneless chicken pieces are also marinated in spiced yogurt, just like chicken tikka. The chicken is then roasted or grilled before getting added to a curry sauce.
The sauce contains tomatoes, cream or coconut milk, spices like garam masala, garlic, ginger, coriander, and chili powder. Sometimes onion, cashews, or almonds are also added. The sauce simmers allowing the chicken to soak up the rich flavors.
The resulting dish combines tender chicken tikka bathed in a luscious, mildly spiced creamy tomato sauce. It has a bright orange-red hue and a silky texture.
Chicken tikka masala is usually served with basmati rice and naan bread. The complex aromatic flavors of the sauce take center stage in this dish, contrasting the simpler preparation of chicken tikka.
Key Differences Between the Dishes
-
Cooking method – Chicken tikka is grilled, while chicken tikka masala is simmered in a sauce.
-
Flavor profile – Chicken tikka highlights the marinated chicken, while chicken tikka masala focuses more on the spiced creamy tomato sauce.
-
Origin – Chicken tikka has roots in India, while chicken tikka masala was likely invented by Indian chefs in Britain.
-
Ingredients – Chicken tikka just uses chicken and a marinade. Chicken tikka masala adds a tomato cream sauce with spices and sometimes nuts.
-
Texture – Chicken tikka has a charred exterior with a moist interior. Chicken tikka masala has a silky, creamy sauce coating the chicken.
-
Purpose – Chicken tikka is usually served as an appetizer or entree. Chicken tikka masala is a main curry dish.
Which One Should I Choose?
So which one of these popular Indian chicken dishes is better? It really depends on what you’re craving!
For a simple, quick grilled chicken appetizer or entree, go for chicken tikka. If you want a complex, comforting curry, choose chicken tikka masala. You really can’t go wrong with either dish. Or try them both to experience the range of flavors!
Now that you know the key differences between these two favorites, you can order them with confidence at your local Indian restaurant. Just don’t confuse chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala on the menu. Understanding the unique origins and preparations of each will ensure you get exactly the dish you want!
Benefits of Chana Masala:
- Rich in Protein: Chana masala is made with chickpeas, an excellent protein source. Muscles and other bodily tissues require protein to be built and repaired.
- High in Fiber: Moreover, chickpeas have a lot of fiber, which aids with digestion and prevents constipation. Fiber also helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the body and improve heart health.
- Low in Fat: Chana masala is a low-fat dish for people trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
- Rich in Nutrients: Chana masala contains essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients help to boost the immune system, promote healthy skin, and prevent chronic diseases.
Benefits Of Chana Masala And Tikka Masala
Chana masala and tikka masala are two popular dishes in Indian cuisine, and they offer a variety of benefits in terms of taste, nutrition, and overall health. Here are some of the benefits of chana masala and tikka masala:
Butter Chicken Vs Chicken Tikka Masala
FAQ
Is chicken tikka masala the same as chicken tikka?
Pretty close. Chicken Tikka is chicken marinated with a yogurt marinade and then cooked in a tandoor, a form of clay oven (recipes often use grilling instead). Chicken Tikka Masala is Chicken Tikka in a tomato-based sauce, as you said.
What tastes better, butter chicken or chicken tikka masala?
However, chicken tikka masala tend to have more spices and less cream in it so the gravy tastes more tomatoey and less rich, the flavour of spices is more upfront and intense. Butter chicken is usually less spiced, has more cream and some butter (well, duh) for good measure so it tastes richer and milder.
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.
Is chicken tikka masala or butter chicken healthier?
Generally, chicken tikka masala is considered slightly healthier than butter chicken, though both dishes can be high in calories and fat, depending on preparation. Chicken tikka masala often has more protein and less saturated fat than butter chicken.