If you’re looking to make a wonderful Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala, coated in a silky tomato-butter sauce, you can easily make it at home in a restaurant-style way, with a simple step-by-step recipe.
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Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala : Easy to Make at Home
America’s favorite, Chicken Tikka Masala, is a great Indian dish, as it’s smoky, creamy, lightly spiced, and full of comforting flavor.
This recipe combines simple chicken with silky tomato butter sauce, which transforms into a wonderful curry. If you’re new to Indian cooking or want to achieve restaurant-level results at home, you can make a wonderful Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala at home using this American recipe.
Why Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala is so popular.
- It offers a creamy, rich, restaurant-style texture.
- This recipe uses ingredients found in our supermarkets every day.
- It creates a perfect balance of aroma, spice, and tang.
- It’s meal-prep approved and freezer-friendly.
- It goes great with basmati rice, naan, or quinoa.
All the ingredients you need:
- Marinating the Chicken:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or neutral oil
- 1 pound bonus chicken thighs or cubed breasts
Ingredients for the Masala Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the acidity)
- 1 cup heavy cream, use half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree or canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper Powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- For garnish – Fresh coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
Step-by-step instructions for making Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala –
1. Marinating the Chicken, the Flower Foundation
- A robust marinade gives Chicken Tikka Masala its signature tangy, smoky, and spicy profile.
- Use a large bowl and add the ingredients in the specified quantities:
- lemon juice, Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic paste, salt, oil, and spices.
- Mix well to combine until smooth and completely combined.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
- Be sure to cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- If not needed, refrigerate overnight.
Pro tip: Using yogurt will tenderize the chicken to a wonderful tenderness, giving you that restaurant-like, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Cooking the Chicken (Stovetop or Grilled)
- Chicken tikka can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked, but high heat is recommended for the true smoky flavor.
A. Grilling: Best Flavor
- First, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Then,
- Thread the chicken on skewers and grill for 10 minutes, turning once and continuing until lightly charred.
B. Using a Pan-Searing: Easy and Quick
- Use a pan and,
- add two tablespoons of oil and heat it.
- Then, brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown and well done.
- Remove and set aside.
C. Oven Baking
- To bake in the oven, bake at 425°F for 13 to 15 minutes, basting for the last 2 minutes.
3. Making the Masala Base, Applying the Masala Coating
- Take a pan, heat a mixture of oil and butter.
- Then add finely chopped onion,
- frying until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste,
- cooking for 30 to 32 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Add paprika, cumin, garam masala, coriander, chili powder, and sugar, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse.
4. Add cream and cook on low heat.
To make Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala truly amazing and truly luxurious:
- Add heavy cream and gently stir.
- Add chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
- Continue cooking on low heat for 5 to 6 minutes.
Pro tip: Remember to never bring the sauce to a boil after adding the cream, as it could curdle. The heat should be kept low and consistent.
5. Add the chicken and prepare the dish.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce.
- Now mix all the pieces thoroughly and
- continue cooking for another 6 to 7 minutes to taste.
- Taste once and adjust the seasoning and salt, or add more cream to taste.
6. Garnishing and Serving
To make Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala amazing, top it with chopped cilantro and a little cream.
- Perfect Serving Suggestions: – USA Style
- Jasmine Rice
- Crispy Roasted Potato Rice
- Steamed Basmati Rice
- Cauliflower Rice (Low Carb) Option
Chef Tips: –
To achieve restaurant-quality results in Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala,
- If you want juicier pieces, use chicken thighs.
- Be sure to brown the onions thoroughly, this deepens their flavor.
- To add more smokiness, grab a small piece of charcoal with tongs and place it on a file in the pot.
- Then add the oil and cover for 1 minute, optional but very useful.
- Using Greek yogurt and lemon makes it more tender.
Nutrition:
Nutrition per serving of Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala: Approximately:
- Protein 28g
- Calories 415g
- Fat 27g
- Carbs 15g
FAQ
How to fix mistakes made while making Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala? Here are answers to some questions.
Q. Is Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala spicy?
No! It has a slight spiciness, but you can adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
Q. Can I make Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala in advance?
Yes! The sauce tastes amazing the next day as its flavor deepens.
Q. Can I freeze the chicken tikka?
Yes! You can store the chicken tikka in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 months.
Q. Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt instead of yogurt and full-fat coconut milk instead of cream.
Q. The sauce is too thick, what should I do?
If you want a more specific consistency, add chicken broth or a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
Q. What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream for a dairy-free version
Half and Half
Evaporated milk
Q. Does Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala taste great with paneer or tofu?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, use paneer cubes or tofu instead of chicken.
Q. Can I use store-bought tikka masala sauce?
It’s possible, but homemade sauce adds a wonderful flavor and freshness.
Final Thoughts:
Creamy Amber Chicken Tikka Masala tastes like a restaurant dish right from the kitchen. Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a smooth, rich, aromatic curry at home. Which is perfect for all meal prep, casual dinners or weekend feasts.