Chicken Tikka Masala is a favourite Indian dish of my family. This recipe creates an aromatic and flavourful meal that beats any takeaway and costs less. Serve it as a main dish with rice and naan bread for an outstanding meal. You can have it ready quicker than you could order from a takeaway, giving you time to start relaxing with a drink.
Chicken Tikka Masala is rich, creamy, and full of warm spices. Every mouthful gives pure pleasure. The flavours balance heat and cream, tang and sweetness. No wonder people around the world love this dish.
The story of Chicken Tikka Masala is as colourful as the food itself. South Asian cooks in Britain created it to adapt traditional flavours for local tastes. They marinated tender pieces of chicken in spices, then cooked them until juicy and lightly charred. A vibrant sauce made with tomatoes, cream, and aromatic spices brings everything together. The dish delivers comfort on a plate and tastes familiar to so many.
When I first tried this dish, I was amazed by the depth of flavour. Each spoonful had layers of smoky, tangy, and creamy notes. The sauce was velvety and clung beautifully to the chicken. The meal encouraged slow eating and full enjoyment. Shared with good company, it became a memory rather than just a meal.
Also another one of the best things about this dish is how well it pairs with sides. Basmati rice soaks up the sauce perfectly. Fluffy naan bread is ideal for scooping and mopping. Cucumber raita adds cool balance and crunch. Chargrilled vegetables bring a smoky contrast, while a fresh salad adds brightness to the table.
Serving Chicken Tikka Masala feels like an occasion. The table looks bright and inviting. Bowls of sides travel around as laughter mixes with the clink of cutlery. This meal brings people together, slow enough to savour every bite.
Whether you are introducing friends to South Asian flavours or returning to an old favourite, Chicken Tikka Masala never disappoints. Its rich sauce and tender chicken offer an experience that feels both exotic and comforting. Add the right sides, and it becomes a feast that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Side dishes to serve with Chicken Tikka Masala:
• Basmati rice
• Garlic naan or plain naan
• Cucumber raita
• Chargrilled vegetables
• Fresh mixed salad
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 tsp rapeseed oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 large red pepper finely chopped
- 2 large chicken breasts skinless cubes
- 2 tbsp tikka paste
- 3 cloves garlic crush
- 400 g tomatoes chop
- 2 tbsp coriander chop + garnish
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt low fat
Instructions
- Add the oil to a pan and add the onions and peppers.1 tsp rapeseed oil, 1 large onion, 1 large red pepper
- Cook for 5 minutes until soft and add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 minutes.2 large chicken breasts
- Add the tikka paste and stir for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is evenly coated.2 tbsp tikka paste
- Add the garlic and tomatoes, mix again and bring to a gentle boil then cover and simmer gently for 6-8 minutes.3 cloves garlic, 400 g tomatoes
- Add the coriander, stir well then remove from the heat.2 tbsp coriander
- Stir in the yogurt, sprinkle with the remaining coriander and serve immediately.2 tbsp Greek yogurt