Cooking Chicken Tikka Masala with Leftover Grilled Chicken

📖 Table of Contents

Cooking Chicken Tikka at Home Like a Gourmand

➡️ Chicken tikka masala is the first recipe I think of when my fridge is full of leftover grilled chicken, which is a common thing after spring begins. This recipe with Indian flavors is actually a version of chicken curry or chicken stew, no matter what you want to call it.

➡️ An interesting fact about chicken tikka is that it does not come from India, but was created by Indian chefs in the UK to use leftover chicken and cook food to the liking of the British. This is how the delicious tikka masala appeared, which is now prepared with other types of meat, not only chicken.

➡️ Chicken tikka masala is a delicious dish that is loved by many. Most often, it is made with marinated chicken that is grilled and then cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is full of flavor and spice, and it’s perfect to serve over rice or with some naan bread on the side. In my recipe below, I’ll show you how to make the dish from scratch, so you can enjoy the authentic flavors of this classic Indian dish right in your own kitchen.

➡️ By the way, there is no fixed recipe for tikka masala, but a few dozen versions, so you can customize the recipe according to your taste and the ingredients you have at hand. The only exact element is the leftover fried, baked, roasted, or grilled chicken, otherwise, your imagination is free to create a culinary masterpiece!

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Stay informed with our newsletter! Sign up to receive updates on new recipes and culinary articles. Plus, after subscription, you get a FREE sample of the cookbook “10 Common Mistakes Anyone Can Make In The Kitchen” (download link provided in the Welcome email.)

How to Make Chicken Tikka at Home Like a Gourmand

Boneless Chicken Breast Cookbook

If you’re ready to experience the taste of delicious boneless chicken breast recipes, look no further than the “Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes: Best Way To Cook Chicken Breast” cookbook.

BUY NOW

Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes: Best Way To Cook Chicken Breast Cookbook Banner

➡️ There are a lot of tikka masala recipes available on the internet, and one of the recipes I use most often is available below.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is a delicious and flavorful dish. It is a popular dish many restaurants all over the world, and it is easy to see why. The dish features tender, marinated chicken pieces in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce that is infused with a blend of spices. It is the perfect meal to serve on a chilly evening or when you want to impress your guests.

The marinade for the chicken is what makes this dish so special. It consists of yogurt, lemon juice, and an array of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The chicken is marinated for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to ensure it is packed with flavor. The sauce is equally important and features a combination of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, which are cooked down to create a rich and flavorful base. The addition of cream adds a touch of richness to the sauce, while the spices bring a depth of flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

When it comes to serving, chicken tikka masala pairs perfectly with rice or naan bread, and it is often garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish is sure to be a hit, and it is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings 4 servings

Calories

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the sauce:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
salt, to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken pieces on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
Add the cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the spices are fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes and their juices to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the heavy cream to the sauce and stir well. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Season the sauce with salt, to taste. Add the baked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir well. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Serve the chicken tikka masala with basmati rice and/or naan bread.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Marinating the chicken in the yogurt and spice mixture will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Don’t skip this step!
For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-size pieces before marinating.
If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can also grill the chicken on skewers.
Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the oven or on the grill, as it can become dry and tough.
Adjust the level of spice in the dish to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

Keyword boneless chicken breast recipe, chicken breast recipe, chicken curry, chicken tikka, chicken tikka masala, tikka masala

Final Notes for the Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

➡️ The magic of chicken tikka masala lies in its perfect blend of aromatic spices and herbs, which gives this dish its distinct taste and aroma. The chicken is marinated with a mix of yogurt and spices such as cumin, paprika, garam masala, and lemon juice, which makes it tender and flavorful. The sauce is made with a combination of onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, garam masala, and turmeric. The sauce is then simmered with the chicken until it becomes tender and juicy, and a splash of heavy cream is added to make it creamy and smooth.

➡️ So, if you’re looking for a flavorful and comforting meal, then look no further than my chicken tikka masala. This classic dish features marinated chicken pieces in a creamy tomato-based sauce that is infused with a blend of fragrant spices. The result is a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.

➡️ The key to this dish is in the marinade for the chicken. It’s made with yogurt, lemon juice, and a mixture of spices that include cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The chicken is marinated for several hours, or even overnight, to ensure that it is tender and packed with flavor. The sauce is equally important and is made with a combination of onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. These ingredients are cooked down until they form a thick and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.

➡️ One of the best things about chicken tikka masala is how versatile it is. It can be served with rice, naan bread, or even with roasted vegetables for a healthier twist. It’s a dish that can be easily adapted to suit your tastes, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or ingredients.

➡️ Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, chicken tikka masala is sure to satisfy. So go ahead and give this classic chicken dish a try – you won’t be disappointed.

➡️ If you need additional info, read more on chicken tikka masala! I also recommend you to try other chicken tikka recipes available on this website such as Leftover BBQ Chicken Tikka Masala.

Related Chicken Tikka Masala Recipes and Culinary Articles

🤪 No post found!

Premium Cookbooks

Looking to elevate your culinary skills and expand your recipe repertoire? Look no further than a cookbook! Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, there’s a cookbook in this store for you.

LEARN MORE