Have you ever tried Pakistani food? If not, you can’t miss this recipe because, besides being very popular internationally, it’s also incredibly delicious! It’s definitely a dish you should try; the combination of spices and the cooking method makes it unique, yet it’s also similar to Hispanic food since they use chili peppers to give it that extra flavor that everyone loves.
A few years ago, I went to an Pakistani restaurant for the first time here in the center of where I live. I remember it was a buffet, and we had the opportunity to try more than one dish at a time.
The atmosphere was very comfortable, and my first choice was Tandoori Chicken, which is a dish similar to the enchilada‑style chicken made in Mexico. Its exterior is a deep red color, and it’s spicy and very flavorful.
The next thing I ordered was a drink that, needless to say, is one of the most delicious I’ve ever tasted, and one I’ve recreated at home several times. It’s called Mango Lasi.
As time passed and I enjoyed a pleasant and fun conversation with some friends, it was time for the appetizers. From afar, I could see this stew that looked very much like the ones my grandmother used to cook, and it had that homemade aroma.
Of course, I couldn’t resist and I must confess that after trying it I couldn’t stop eating it and I served myself at least two more times. This is the recipe I share with you below: Chicken Tikka Masala.
What is Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is a dish featuring roasted and marinated diced chicken coated in a delicious and colorful curry sauce. It’s similar to the Chicken Curry recipe already on my blog, but different in flavor, as one is sweet and the other is more savory.
The color is between orange and red, and the flavor is strong and creamy due to the combination of spices that give it a home‑cooked taste. It’s very popular in Pakistan, and some of the main spices used for seasoning are coriander (or coriander seeds), turmeric, ginger, paprika, and, to add a touch of heat, cayenne pepper, to name a few. Use the cayenne pepper sparingly, as it’s very spicy!
Of course, like most recipes, tikka masala has been modified, and some people add evaporated milk, coconut milk, whipping cream, or yogurt to give it that creamy touch that is spectacular.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala?
Ingredients
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced Chicken Breasts | 2 pounds |
| Plain Greek Yogurt | ¾ cup |
| Garam Masala | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Ground coriander | 1 tablespoon |
| Coarse salt | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Ground turmeric | ½ tablespoon |
| Ground paprika | ½ tablespoon |
| Ground ginger | ½ tablespoon |
| Ground cumin | ½ tablespoon |
For the sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee or oil of your choice or butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Grated ginger | 1 tablespoon |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 |
| Finely chopped garlic cloves | 5 |
| Ground cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground turmeric | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground phene* | 1 tablespoon |
| Organic tomato puree | 1 can |
| Evaporated Milk or Coconut Milk | 1 can |
| Salt | to taste |
| Cayenne pepper | to taste |
| Chopped cilantro (optional) | to taste |
*Note: “Ground phene” is kept as in the original text; possibly a typo or regional spice name.
Instructions
For the Chicken
- Mix all the ingredients in a resealable bag or a bowl with a lid, add the chicken, stir well, and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator. The secret to a delicious recipe is in the marinade; it’s important not to skip this step.
- Once marinated, fry it in a pan with a tablespoon of oil or butter until golden brown inside.
- If you have an oven, I like to bake it on a cookie sheet for 8 minutes.
For the sauce
- Add the ghee to a hot pan, add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes, add the grated ginger and cook for 1 more minute, now add the garlic and let it caramelize for 5 minutes or until it turns slightly golden over medium heat.
- Add the spices and tomato puree, and let it reduce for 15 minutes.
- Add the milk or cream of your choice. At this point, you can use an immersion blender to blend it for a smooth sauce if desired.
- Add the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with rice!
Nutritional Facts for Healthy & Easy Tikka Masala
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 bowl | — |
| Calories | 340 kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g | 5% |
| Protein | 30 g | 60% |
| Total Fat | 18 g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 620 mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 720 mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 3 g | 11% |
| Sugars | 6 g | — |
| Vitamin A | 680 IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 16 mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the yogurt, cream, spices, and protein used. Healthy tikka masala is a lighter version of the classic Pakistani‑inspired dish, offering rich flavor, lean protein, and aromatic spices.
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet.