Ingredients
For Chicken Tikka (Grilled Chicken)
500g boneless chicken (cut into cubes)
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
For Masala (Gravy)
2 tbsp butter or oil
1 large onion (finely chopped)
2 large tomatoes (pureed)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 green chili (chopped) (optional)
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp coriander powder
½ cup fresh cream
1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Salt to taste
½ cup water (adjust as needed)
Fresh coriander (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, salt, and oil.
Add chicken cubes and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight gives the best flavor).
Step 2: Grill or Cook the Chicken
Oven method: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Thread chicken onto skewers and grill for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Stovetop method: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, cook chicken on medium-high heat until charred and cooked through.
Tandoor/BBQ method: If available, cook over charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala (Gravy)
Heat butter or oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili. Cook for a minute.
Add tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, and salt.
Cook until oil starts separating from the masala.
Crush kasuri methi and add to the gravy. Stir well.
Pour in fresh cream and mix. Add water if needed for desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken & Gravy
Add grilled chicken to the gravy and mix well.
Simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream.
Serve hot with butter naan, roti, or basmati rice.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala:
✔ Use thick yogurt for marination to get juicy chicken.
✔ Grill on high heat to get a smoky, charred flavor.
✔ Blend the onion-tomato gravy for a smooth, restaurant-style texture.
✔ Kasuri methi and cream give it the signature creamy taste.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala! 🍛🔥 Let me know if you need more variations! 😃