Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe. A traditional and very popular Indian chicken dish which is bursting full of flavour and colour. Taste our Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.

• 3 chicken breasts – 1 pound

• 4 Tbsp olive or groundnut oil

• 5 cardamom pods

• a 5cm cinnamon stick

• 1 ½ onions

• 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 2 tsp garlic, minced

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ to 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 Tbsp paprika

• 1 tsp garam masala powder

• 1 large tomato

• 1 tsp tomato purée

• 150 ml water

• Salt to taste

• Yoghurt or 1 tin coconut milk, if desired

• Fresh coriander to garnish

• 1 sharp knife

• 1 chopping board

• 1 plate or tray

• 1 mixing bowl

• 1 large wide pan

• 2 wooden or regular spoons

• 1 bowl for mixing the spices

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients:

First of all, chop up the tomato finely and set aside for later use. Next, finely chop the onions and set aside. Finally, cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with a little salt and also put to one side.

Step 2

Make the masala paste:

Mix together in a bowl the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, garam masala and paprika.

Step 3

Flavour the oil and fry the onions:

Put the oil into a pan over a medium heat. When hot, add the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, leave for a few seconds and then remove. This flavours the oil, giving it a wonderful aroma. Add the onions and cook while stirring, until brown.

Step 4

Add the spices:

Add the masala paste and stir for a minute.

Step 5

Add the remaining ingredients:

Add the tomato and tomato purée and stir for a minute till thoroughly combined.

Pour in the water and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.

Taste the sauce and season with salt if necessary.

Step 6

Cook the chicken:

Add the chicken cubes and mix well into the masala. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the chicken is cooked and tender. Check this by piercing the chicken with a sharp knife - if it goes straight through and comes out clean, it is done. For a weaker curry flavour, add either 1 small tin of coconut milk or 1 medium sized carton of yoghurt. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 7

Garnish and serve:

Place the chicken on a serving dish, decorate with coriander leaves and serve.

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

20 minutes