đ What Makes This Recipe So Good
Chicken tikka masala is a popular introductory dish for anyone delving into the wonderful world of Indian cuisine for the first time. I mean, itâs so popular that itâs considered the official dish of the United Kingdom. I totally get it â tender, perfectly-seasoned chicken in a sauce thatâs tomatoey, creamy, and spicy but not-really-hot? It makes sense that newbies would see this dish on a menu and think âoh, that seems like a safe betâ. Not only is it a âsafe betâ, itâs also one of the most heavenly dishes on the planet if you ask me. One downside to incredible chicken tikka masala? Itâs hard to recreate at home! I worked on nailing this recipe for well over a decade, always coming so very close but lacking that one special something that took it from a really delicious take on curry to a spot-on recreation of one of my favorite Indian restaurant dishes. But never you fear â after much trial and error and research and tasting, I did it. I captured perfect restaurant-style chicken tikka masala, made right in your own kitchen. The magical key that makes a world of difference? That sweet, sweet caramelization process. It literally transforms the ingredients into something next level. Combine that with the heady spices, rich cream, and yogurt-marinated chicken, and prepare yourself to be WOWed.
đ©đŒâđł Chefâs Tips
Fenugreek leaves are optional but oh, do they put the dish over the top. Do use them if you can find them! I bought a big box at an Asian market and have barely made a dent in it. If you like Indian food, youâll be super happy to have a box of fenugreek leaves at home. I use them in my saag chicken recipe, too, and they really take things over the edge. What makes the masala so red? I use deggi mirch powder, which is similar to paprika but a vibrant red, in my chicken tikka masala. It gives the dish a brilliant hue and especially authentic restaurant-style taste. I highly recommend ordering a box if you make Indian food, like my chana masala, butter chicken, or chickpea tikka masala, with any sort of regularity! Itâs really easy to make this recipe work for a variety of dietary needs. Itâs naturally low carb, but you can also make it dairy-free, Whole30, or paleo if needed. Iâve included some alternate ingredients for various diets on the recipe card below.
Important Tip!
Do not skip the caramelization process either with the aromatics or the tomato sauce. If you do, youâll end up with a less-than Indian curry, and not the best chicken tikka masala recipe ever! Seriously, if you make this and find it isnât the best ever, you didnât caramelize it all long enough!I repeat â do not skip the caramelization process!
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