Deliciously Creamy Chicken Tikka Butter Masala: A Savory Recipe You Can’t Resist!

Deliciously Creamy Chicken Tikka Butter Masala: A Savory Recipe You Can’t Resist!

Indulge in a swirling symphony of flavors with our irresistibly creamy Chicken Tikka Butter Masala. This savory recipe promises to transport your taste buds to culinary paradise, leaving you craving for more.

Using our secret blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken tikka is bathed in a luscious butter masala sauce, creating a tantalizing explosion of taste and textures. The chicken marinade ensures each bite is juicy and succulent, while the silky smooth sauce provides a velvety richness that will have you reaching for seconds.

Whether you are a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to elevate your dinner experience, this recipe is a must-try. The harmonious combination of spices, creaminess, and depth of flavors will impress even the most discerning palates.

Whisking away any concerns of complicated cooking processes, our step-by-step instructions will guide you to create this restaurant-quality dish without breaking a sweat. So, dust off your apron and prepare to savor a dish that will tantalize your senses and leave you completely satisfied. Get ready to fall in love with our delectable Chicken Tikka Butter Masala!

Ingredients needed for Chicken Tikka Butter Masala

Creating the perfect Chicken Tikka Butter Masala starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Tikka:

Boneless chicken pieces: 500 grams

Yogurt: 1/2 cup

Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon

Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Salt: 1 teaspoon

2. Butter Masala Sauce:

Butter: 2 tablespoons

Onion: 1 large, finely chopped

Tomato: 3 large, pureed

Cashew nuts: 10-12, soaked in water

Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon

Red chili powder: 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): 1 teaspoon

Fresh cream: 1/4 cup

Salt: to taste

Coriander leaves: for garnishing

Step-by-step instructions for preparing Chicken Tikka Butter Masala

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish.

Step 1: Marinating the chicken

In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated.

Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Cooking the perfect chicken tikka

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and place them on a baking tray.

Bake the chicken tikka for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

Remove the chicken tikka from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Making the creamy tomato-based sauce

In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.

Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

Drain the soaked cashew nuts and grind them into a smooth paste.

Add the cashew nut paste to the tomato mixture and cook for a few minutes.

Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt.

Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the sauce.

Cook the sauce for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combining the chicken tikka with the sauce

Gently add the cooked chicken tikka to the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.

Simmer the chicken tikka in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Stir in the fresh cream, adjusting the consistency of the sauce to your liking.

Cook the chicken tikka butter masala for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added freshness and aroma.

Tips for Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in creating the perfect Chicken Tikka Butter Masala. The marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps tenderize it, resulting in juicy and succulent pieces of chicken. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is marinated to perfection.

1. Choose the right cuts of chicken: Opt for boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. These cuts are ideal as they are tender and cook evenly. Remove any excess fat or skin before marinating.

2. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer while the spices add depth of flavor. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

3. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure each piece is well-coated. You can use your hands or tongs to gently massage the marinade into the meat. Make sure the chicken is evenly covered and no part is left untouched.

4. Marinate for at least 2 hours: Transfer the coated chicken to a ziplock bag or a covered container. Place it in the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

5. Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking: About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from becoming tough.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Chicken Tikka

Cooking the chicken tikka perfectly is crucial to achieving the desired tenderness and flavor. Whether you’re using a grill, oven, or stovetop, follow these tips to ensure your chicken tikka is cooked to perfection.

1. Preheat your cooking equipment: Before you start cooking the chicken tikka, make sure your grill, oven, or stovetop is preheated to the recommended temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps seal in the juices.

2. Use skewers or a grill pan: If grilling, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken, ensuring it cooks uniformly. If using an oven, place the chicken tikka on a greased grill pan to mimic the grill’s effect.

3. Cook until golden brown and charred: Grill or bake the chicken tikka until it is golden brown and slightly charred on the outside. This imparts a smoky flavor and adds depth to the dish. Turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Check for doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest piece to ensure there is no pinkness and the juices run clear.

5. Rest the chicken before serving: Once the chicken tikka is cooked, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. Resting also helps retain the moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.

Combining the Chicken Tikka with the Sauce

Now that you have marinated the chicken tikka to perfection and prepared the creamy tomato-based sauce, it’s time to bring the two together for a tantalizing culinary experience. Follow these steps to create a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds in awe.

1. Transfer the cooked chicken tikka to the sauce: Carefully place the cooked chicken tikka into the pan with the creamy tomato-based sauce. Gently coat each piece of chicken with the sauce, ensuring they are fully immersed. The sauce will cling to the chicken, infusing it with its velvety richness.

2. Simmer to meld the flavors: Increase the heat to medium-low and let the chicken tikka simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors of the sauce to penetrate the chicken, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

3. Adjust the consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, continue simmering until it thickens to your liking. The consistency of the sauce can be adjusted according to personal preference.

4. Garnish and serve: Once the chicken tikka is fully cooked and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve the Chicken Tikka Butter Masala hot with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures as you savor each bite of the Deliciously Creamy Chicken Tikka Butter Masala. This savory recipe is a testament to the wonders of Indian cuisine and will undoubtedly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that is sure to leave them craving for more. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

Serving suggestions and accompaniments

Now that your Chicken Tikka Butter Masala is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and enjoy this delectable dish.

Serve the Chicken Tikka Butter Masala hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.

Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves for added visual appeal.

Accompany the dish with a side of cucumber raita or onion salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

For a complete Indian feast, serve with other favorites like butter chicken, dal makhani, or vegetable biryani.

Variation and customization options

While our recipe provides the classic rendition of Chicken Tikka Butter Masala, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.

Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian twist.

Adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more or less fresh cream, depending on your preference.

For a healthier alternative, you can substitute the butter with ghee or olive oil.

Conclusion and final thoughts on Chicken Tikka Butter Masala

Congratulations! You have successfully created a tantalizing Chicken Tikka Butter Masala that is sure to impress your taste buds and those of anyone lucky enough to join you for this culinary adventure.

This creamy, rich, and aromatic dish is a testament to the beauty of Indian cuisine. The combination of tender chicken tikka and the silky smooth butter masala sauce is a match made in heaven. Each bite will transport you to a world of flavors, leaving you craving for more.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, our Chicken Tikka Butter Masala recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other. Bon appétit!