Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe – UK’s Favourite Curry
Meta Description: Learn how to make restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala at home! Juicy grilled chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce – a true British-Indian favourite.
📝 Introduction
Did you know Chicken Tikka Masala is often called the “true national dish of Britain”? Born from the fusion of Indian spices and British tastes, it’s a curry house favourite across the UK. This recipe delivers tender marinated chicken in a creamy, smoky, tomato-rich gravy — perfect with naan or rice.
Let’s recreate the magic of takeaway at home with this flavour-packed recipe!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
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500g boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cubed
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1/2 cup yoghurt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp turmeric
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1 tsp chilli powder
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp garam masala
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1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
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Salt to taste
For the Masala Sauce:
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2 tbsp oil or ghee
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1 onion, finely chopped
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1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garam masala
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1/2 tsp chilli powder (optional)
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1 cup tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
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Salt to taste
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Fresh coriander for garnish
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
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In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients.
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Add chicken pieces and coat well.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
Step 2: Grill or Cook Chicken
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Skewer the marinated chicken and grill, air-fry, or pan-fry until slightly charred and cooked through.
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Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Masala Sauce
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Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions until golden.
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Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 min.
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Stir in dry spices and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add tomato purée and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
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Stir in cream and salt. Simmer until smooth and creamy.
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Add grilled chicken, simmer 5 more minutes.
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Garnish with coriander.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with:
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Garlic naan
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Basmati rice or jeera rice
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A side of cucumber raita or mango chutney
🌟 Tips
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For smoky flavour, grill chicken over coal or in a tandoor.
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Add a spoon of butter at the end for richer taste.
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Make it spicier by adding chopped green chillies.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
Yes! It works well and cuts down cooking time.
Q: How long can I store Chicken Tikka Masala?
Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
Q: What makes it different from Butter Chicken?
Tikka Masala has a spicier, more tomato-heavy sauce than butter chicken.