I made this Chicken Tikka Masala using Smelly Proof bags, sent to me as a gift for review purposes. As a member of the Amazon Affiliate Program, I receive compensation for the products sold through the affiliate links in this post at no cost to the buyer.
Those who know me know that I’m not a chicken person. But, since I started cooking for my friends, chicken is always in high demand. Some of the dishes people request the most are my Chicken Polvorosa (a delicious Venezuelan chicken pot pie, very similar to my Albacore Tuna Polvorosa), chicken soup, and more recently, this Chicken Tikka Masala… I guess that is a flavorful, spicy, delicious, hearty dish that is hard to resist.
Tracing the history of Chicken Tikka Masala
Even if this recipe is associated with Indian cuisine, its origins can be traced to the United Kingdom. There was a time in which Pakistani chefs used to dominate Indian restaurants there. It seems the dish was created by one of those chefs.
In fact, this dish is so popular in the UK that it is considered a “national” dish. It symbolizes how the British have absorbed and incorporated the flavors and cooking techniques from other cultures into their diet.
I learned how to make this recipe by chance. Last November, cooking with my fellow blogger Patty, the cook behind Juntos Sabe Mejor, she made it. People tasted it. They love it. And now they keep asking me for more.
A star is born…
This has been a great discovery for me. It has been my very first introduction to the exotic flavors of Indian gastronomy, garam masala, and a new way to combine spices including cumin, coriander, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, and cardamom.
Chicken tikka literally means chicken bits. This is a popular Punjabi dish. It’s popular not only in the Punjab region, in India, but Bangladesh and Pakistan. It consists of small, boneless chicken pieces, marinated in a yogurt and Indian spices mixture, and then cooked in skewers in a tandoor clay oven.
To marinate the chicken, I used one of my pretty convenient Smelly Proof storage bags. They are made in America, hand washable and reusable, leakproof, durable, nylon-reinforced, BPA-free, and FDA approved. They come in seven sizes and, after using them with all the Indian spices, I have to say they are smelly proof.
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Now back to my chicken. Chicken tikka masala is chicken tikka, that once has been cooked in the skewers, is served in a masala sauce. I would say there are as many masala recipes as cooks in the world. The masala in Patty’s blog inspired this recipe. I only changed the cooking method.
This masala consists of chunks of onion, red bell peppers, slivered almonds, and golden raisins seasoned with garam masala and roasted. Then, everything is liquefied with tomatoes to create a deliciously smooth and thick gravy, complimented with crème fraîche for a really creamy delight.
How to Make the Easiest Chicken Tikka Masala Ever
I cook for third parties. Therefore I have to make a lot of chicken at a time. Instead of cooking the chicken in skewers, I save time by roasting it in baking sheets conveniently covered with parchment paper (you can also cover them with a silicone mat). In addition, I also roast the veggies, almonds, and raisins for the masala in baking sheets. Then, I set the timer, and I don’t have to be standing by the stove. Bingo!
Regarding garam masala, the mixture of Indian spices used in this recipe, I substitute it by adding a pinch of the following spices: cloves, black pepper, and cardamom, plus a double pinch of cinnamon, to both the yogurt marinate and the masala gravy.
I hope you like this recipe as much as my family and friends do. Served over a bed of basmati rice, this chicken tikka masala will make you feel like you’re dining in your favorite Indian restaurant, and thank God for diversity… because variety is the spice of life!
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Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka
- 2 lbs. of chicken breasts, diced in 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup of plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons of fresh garlic, mashed
- 2 teaspoon of coriander
- 2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- ¾ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 pinch of cloves
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 pinch of cardamom
- 2 pinches of cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons of pink salt from the Himalayas
- 2½ cups of tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
For the Masala
- 1½ cups of red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup of yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup almonds, slivered
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 pinch of cloves
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 pinch of cardamon
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 pinches of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of pink salt from the Himalayas
- 1/3 cup of crème fraîche
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the yogurt, garlic, ginger and all the dry spices for the chicken tikka and mix until well combines. Add the cilantro leaves and stir.
- Place the chicken cubes in a storage bag; add the yogurt and spice sauce. Make sure all the chicken is covered by the sauce. Refrigerate to marinate for al least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F and cover two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the masala (but the tomatoes, the crème fraîche, salt and cilantro leaves), and stir to combine. Spread this mixture in one of the baking sheets.
- Place the chicken pieces one by one in the other baking sheets.
- Place both baking sheets in the me medium rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes. In the case of the veggies, stir twice during the process.
- Put the oven in low broil temperature, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and the veggies are well done. Take both sheets out of the oven.
- Place the roasted veggies in the vase of a blender, add the tomatoes and liquefy until thick and smooth.
- In a cauldron or deep pan over medium heat, add the masala, salt and crème fraîche and stir.
- Add the chicken and combine. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Serve over a bed of basmati rice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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This sounds delicious. No need for takeout when you can make this right in your own kitchen. I know it will be a hit with the family.
Yessssss! Thank you, Gloria.
Gorgeous photos! The chicken turned out to be cooked so perfectly and the tikka masala was amazing! Thanks!
Thank you Farrukh, coming from you, this is a big compliment!
This chicken tikka masala was wonderful! I just love the flavor the fresh ginger and cardamom added, and it was perfectly tender. I’ll definitely make this again!
Thank you, Amanda!
This is a winner! This chicken tikka masala is indeed so flavorful. I love this recipe, fantastic– thank you. Give this 5 stars.
Thank you Jenny!
Tikka masala is one of my favorite Indian dishes. This was easy and the chicken was super flavorful.
Thank you Brianna.
This is one of our favorite comforting recipe! So much flavor in one dish!
Thank you Veronika.
Oh what a lovely recipe with all of those amazing spices and flavors! I made it and it was absolutely perfect. Definitely, a dish that I’ll make again and again. My mouth is watering, again, just looking at your stunning pictures!
Thank you Lori! You made my day!
It doesn’t get any better than this from scratch tikka masala. It is so full of flavor!
Thank you!
Chicken tikka masala is one of my favorite Indian recipes. I love that all the seasonings are homemade in this recipe – yum!
Thank you, Lauren.
Who needs takeout when you can make this at home. What a great meal for any night of the week. I would make a huge batch and put some in the freezer.
Yessss! Full of flavor an súper easy to make!
Tender chicken, aromatic spices and deep flavor, this chicken tikka masala is a dream. I made it and I can tell you: this a new dinner favorite.
Thank you Silvia! I’m glad you liked it!
This recipe has everything you could want in a Chicken Tikka Masala recipe! Made to perfection!
Thank you, Leslie!
I made your chicken tikka masala and it was super tender! The curry pairs well perfectly and add immense flavor! Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you so much!
Agree with you. The color is just lovely. But not only the color, but it’s also the spice mix that makes your recipe so delicious. I made it and it’s simply perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Awwww thank you Aditi!
YUM. I love chicken tikka masala and really wanted to make some at home. This absolutely hit the spot! Even my kids liked it!
Yayyyyyyyyy! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know!
This recipe is simply amazing, I have been wanting to make this for a long time and I finally found a really good recipe! I made it this week and it’s don’t super easy to make, but also delicious.
Thank you Ramona!
I love tikka masala but never made it myself… until now. I couldn’t believe how easy. It came out deliciously spicy! We all loved it! Thanks for sharing!
Yayyyyy! Thank you Veronika for letting me know.
The chicken was so tender using your method and the curry had just the right amount of kick. Loved this for dinner.
Thank you for letting me know!
Love chicken tikka masala! It’s the one dish I always order at an Indian restaurant but never tried to make at home… I gave your recipe a chance and it turned to be delicious!
So happy to hear this!
There are so many variations of chicken tikka masala. Your recipe is one of the best I ever had. Thanks for sharing!
Awwwww thank you, Casey!
The recipe instructions reference tomatoes but they are not listed in the ingredients…can you please clarify?
My bad Kimberly. 2 1/2 cups of tomatoes. I already listed them. Again, thank you so much.
Enri, this looks A-MA-ZING. I was just thinking yesterday that I haven’t prepared Indian food for ages. I’m going to try this one!
You’ll love it Anita! Thanks for stopping by!
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is what I needed today. Ni más ni menos!
Yesssss!
Es mucho con demasiado ese Chicken Tikka Masala. Te quedó espectacular, y las fotos hermosas!!
Gracias querida amiga.
How you are not a chicken person if chicken is the best? I love this chiken tikka masala because I love indian food.
Hahahahaha! I’m glad you liked it!
I love this kind of chicken. Tikka Masala is one of my favorite recipes ever!
Thank you my dear! Now you have the recipe!
WoW Enri! This chicken tikka masala recipe looks amazing!! I am not a chicken person either, but this recipe would be an option for me to try!!!
Yessssss! Thanks for stopping by Vicky!
I’ve never had chicken like this! Definitely saving this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe!
You’ll love it Vero!
I like cooking with chicken because of its versatility and this tikka masala recipe just calls my name.
Yessss! Your family will love it because it’s spicy. Not the mix of spices you’re use to, but certainly hot! Give a try Blancquita. Con arrocito blanco!
This was AMAZING! I impressed my company with such a flavorful meal! I googled for a low calorie chicken curry and stumbled upon this Tikka Masala recipe and whipped it up the same night. I mixed it with the leftover rice and it was even better warmed up the second day. Thank you so much! This is a must-keep recipe.
Tikka Masala has got to be my favorite recipe ever! All those spices paired with the sauce is out of this world
Yesssss! Now it’s a staple in my kitchen too…
The dish looks mouth watering. Color looks so amazing. I am feeling hungry. I would love to try this at home
Thank you Sundeep!
This looks so delicious! I have never made chiken tikka recipe my own. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for visiting Bindu…
I’ve been looking for a good tikka recipe – might give it a go during the week. Will prob grill them on bbq but the rest looks spot on
Thank you! Nothing can beat grilling. The only reason I bake this chicken is because a do a lot of chicken at a time. Again, thank you for visiting.
It’s lovely to have a fool proof recipe that works well and you enjoy.
Yes, my dear!
This looks so good! I haven’t tried anything like this before, but I’ll definitely have to give this recipe a try this week. Thanks for sharing!
Awwww thank you Nicole!
One of my absolute favorites! And I love this easier cooking method.
Yessss!
That chicken tikka masala looks so so delicious. It’s by far one of my favorite Indian cuisine dishes. I’ve made it at home believe it or not, but now I have a new recipe to try! Thank you.
Go for it mi Wendy Wine and thank you for visiting!
Wow, that does look really delicious! I would love to cook this for dinner tonight!
Yesssssss! You’ll love it!
Totally gonna save this for future use! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! This a great recipe, indeed!
I love chicken tikka masala and this recipe looks amazing! I’d love to try it at home!
Go for it! This is really good. Trust me!
Wow! This really looks delicious and yummy.
Thank you Gideon!
I am always on the lookout for delicious chicken recipes because my son loves to eat chicken. That Chicken Tikka Masala sounds really flavorful and tasty.
Thank you Chelle. How old is your son? This a little bit spicy, so please take that into consideration…
I am a Punjabi and we, Indians adore Chicken Tikka. Being from Lucknow, that was once the capital city of the Mughal emperors who came to India, these chicken dishes are not only favourites but also hold history here. I am so glad you enjoy Chicken Tikka masala and I loved your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
I’m in awe, You made my day Nijkinny!
Oh wow! I never knew that the masala was made with raisins. I do love the idea of the smelly proof bag, what an invention. The contrasting colours are so vibrant. I will eat the veg but not the chicken but I will also love to try making the masala at home but with tofu.
Great idea! I’m not a chicken person… I thinks this masala will go great with roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes or cauliflower!
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of my fav dishes. Your pics have come out so well. I can now try this recipe sooner.
Thank you so much!
This is a delicious looking dish! The recipe seems simple enough but I nerd to rope my mother in law in to help! I am like your friends I love chicken and love it when others cook for me lol
Hahahaha! Smart girl!
I love chicken tikka masala and is a staple at my house! I had no idea it was the national food of the UK; I will have to try this recipe. we have some milk allergies in my family so I usually sub the yogurt for coconut milk. Can I do that in this recipe?
I haven’t try it but everything with coconut milk is just delicious! So go ahed and let me know the result!
I love Chicken tikka masala but I have never actually tried making it at home. This looks like an awesome and easy to follow recipe
Yesssss! It’s so tasteful! You’ll love how easy is this recipe Jessica!
This looks so amazing! It’s been ages since I’ve had chicken tikka masala, so I need to make this for sure.
Yessssss!
Those smelly proof bags sound awesome. This chicken tikka masala is a recipe that my husband would love!
The Smelly bags are super cool: washable and reusable! And chicken you HAVE to do it Tara! You’ll love it!
All Indians are so gaga over chicken Tikka Masala. Unfortunately, I’m a vegetarian and have no experience of eating it. But as it seems the best ever, going to share it with some friends!!
Thanks for sharing my dear! You made my day with the gaga thing. I’m not a chicken person but I must confess the spices and also the masala keep drooling!
OK now this sounds absolutely delicious! I have to admit i love a good tikka masala and I definitely need to try the best recipe EVER!
Thank you Sarah! I guarantee you’ll this one! Go for it!
Wow Enri! Esta Chicken Tikka Masala se ve súper provocativo!
Gracias mi Leti! Esta receta ahora es una fija en mi cocina!
Esta receta me parece una delicia!
Lo es Odile, lo es!
Oooh that looks so good! I’ve been really bored with food lately, may need to try this out!
Go for it! You’ll be happy! Never a dull bite!
It looks so tasty! Thank you for the recipe, I love Indian food
This one, you’ll love it!
You have made me die of the craving! What a beautiful Chikken Tikka Masala recipe!
Thank you Maria Carolina!
El color y la cremosidad me encantan. Y con ese arrocito. La gloria!
No es por nada pero queda mundial este pollito!
This sounds delicious! We have a big Indian population where I live and I have tried some of their food and it’s so yummy. I think jn a way it is similar to Mexican cuisine. Thank you for the tip in the bags, they sound like a good item to have on hand.
Blanquita this is my first Indian recipe and I think the spices got me. I agree this gastronomy is similar to the Mexican one in the sense they are not afraid of using and combining spices and chiles. However, the resulting flavors are so unique and different. About the bags, they are amazing really reusable, smelly proof and made in the USA!