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Chicken tikka masala served in a bowl with creamy orange gravy
Main CourseNon-VegetarianNorth Indianmedium

Chicken Tikka Masala

Grilled marinated chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato gravy

TOTAL TIME50 MIN
SERVINGS4 PORTIONS
CALORIES430 KCAL
REWARD XP+170 XP

INGREDIENTS

16 ITEMS REQUIRED
4 P
For the chicken tikka marinade
For the gravy
To finish
NUTRITION TICKET (PER SERVING)
CALORIES430
PROTEIN28g
FAT30g
CARBS11g
EQUIPMENT
Grill Pan / Stovetop GriddleKadhai (Deep Wok)Blender

Execution Timeline

10 SEQUENTIAL TIMED STEPS

1MARINATE THE CHICKEN
5 MIN

Combine the cubed chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and oil, mix well to coat every piece, and set aside to marinate.

Tip: A minimum 30-minute marinade lets the yogurt tenderize the chicken and the spices penetrate fully
2GRILL THE CHICKEN TIKKA
8 MIN

Thread or spread the marinated chicken on a hot grill pan and cook, turning occasionally, until charred at the edges and cooked through.

Tip: Visible char spots at the edges are what give tikka masala its signature smoky flavor
3PREP THE GRAVY AROMATICS
5 MIN

Finely chop the onions, puree the tomatoes, and soak the cashews so everything is ready before the gravy goes on heat.

4SAUTÉ THE ONIONS
6 MIN

Melt half the butter in a kadai, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle, then add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and lightly golden.

5COOK THE TOMATO-CASHEW BASE
7 MIN

Add the pureed tomatoes, soaked cashews, and coriander powder, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil visibly separates at the edges.

Tip: Oil separating at the edges signals the base is properly cooked, which keeps the blended gravy from tasting raw
6BLEND AND SIMMER THE GRAVY
6 MIN

Cool the mixture slightly, blend into a smooth, creamy paste, return it to the pan with a splash of water, and let it simmer gently.

7ENRICH WITH BUTTER AND CREAM
3 MIN

Stir in the remaining butter and the fresh cream until the gravy turns glossy and takes on a rich orange-red color.

Tip: A glossy sheen and even orange-red color are the clearest signs the butter and cream have fully incorporated
8ADD THE TIKKA AND SIMMER
8 MIN

Add the grilled chicken tikka to the gravy and let it simmer gently so the pieces soak up the sauce and stay juicy.

9REDUCE TO THE DESIRED CONSISTENCY
4 MIN

Continue simmering uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to the consistency you like.

10FINISH WITH KASURI METHI AND CORIANDER
2 MIN

Turn off the heat, crush the kasuri methi between your palms into the gravy, and garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Tip: Crushing the kasuri methi releases far more aroma than adding it whole