Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala (Stovetop)

Behind the Recipe: A Private Notice

Again in 2016, after I was frequently instructing cooking lessons, Hen Tikka Masala was palms down one of the crucial requested recipes. I’ve cooked this dish actually a whole lot of occasions—at residence and through these in-person periods—It’s nonetheless one among my go-to recipes after I’m internet hosting, and a longtime favourite in my household. And with out fail, everybody’s response is at all times the identical: “Wow, this tastes even higher than the restaurant model—and it’s a lot lighter and more energizing!”

Over time, I’ve shared variations like Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala and Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala, which have turn into neighborhood favorites. However the one model that’s been most requested is a traditional stovetop model. So I’m excited to lastly share this tried-and-true recipe that brings all the identical genuine flavors in a easy, stovetop methodology.

Concerning the Components

This Hen Tikka Masala recipe makes use of the identical heat, fragrant spices—like garam masala, Kashmiri chili, turmeric, and kasoori methi—in each the marinade and the curry. This creates a wealthy, layered taste whereas maintaining the ingredient checklist easy and pantry-friendly.

• Hen: This recipe requires 1½ kilos of boneless rooster breasts or thighs, reduce into 2-inch items. Hen thighs are extra forgiving and keep juicy, however rooster breast works simply as effectively for a leaner possibility. You’ll need uniform items so that they prepare dinner evenly whether or not you are utilizing the oven, grill, or air fryer.
• Yogurt & Lemon Juice: Plain full-fat yogurt is a tenderizer within the marinade, giving the rooster a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mixed with lemon juice, it provides simply the correct quantity of tang to steadiness the warming spices. Keep away from Greek yogurt right here—it’s too thick until barely thinned with water.
• Ginger & Garlic Paste: These type the fragrant base of each the marinade and the curry. Contemporary is at all times greatest, however store-bought pastes work in a pinch. Ginger paste provides heat and zing, whereas garlic paste brings in-depth and savory taste.
• Spices for Marinade and Curry: Turmeric offers a golden hue and gentle earthy notes, Kashmiri purple chili powder provides a vibrant purple shade and gentle warmth, and garam masala brings a posh mix of warming spices. Crushed Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) offers a barely nutty, bittersweet taste that is signature in tikka masala.
• Onions: Diced yellow onions are sautéed low and gradual till smooth and candy—this kinds the flavorful base of the curry sauce. Do not rush this step—it builds a naturally candy richness that balances the spice. Additionally for those who diced them finely, you can too skip the step of pureeing the sauce.
• Tomatoes: You need to use 3 recent plum tomatoes (chopped) or 1½ cups of tomato puree. I typically go together with store-bought puree for ease—it blends seamlessly into the sauce and provides the curry a wealthy, orange hue. Tomatoes assist thicken the gravy and convey a delicate tang that balances the spices.
• Cream or Cashew Paste: Heavy whipping cream provides an expensive richness to the curry. For a dairy-free model, mix ½ cup soaked cashews with ½ cup water till easy—this makes an ideal substitute whereas maintaining the sauce creamy.

Methods to Make Genuine Hen Tikka Masala

Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for as much as 2 months.
• To Reheat: Gently heat on the stovetop or microwave, including a splash of water to loosen the sauce if wanted.