Wondering what chicken tikka masala is? Here’s everything you need to know about this Indian dish, including its origins, ingredients, and more!.
There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a piping hot plate of chicken tikka masala. This world-renowned dish, with countless regional variations, can be found in Indian restaurants around the globe.
Although its origins are hotly contested, the creamy, spiced curry and tender chicken can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. So, what exactly is the story behind this popular entrée? Let’s start by digging into its mysterious origins.
Some people get chicken masala and chicken tikka masala mixed up. Both are popular Indian chicken dishes. Some things about these curries are the same, but there are also some important differences that make them stand out. Here, we’ll talk about what makes each dish different.
Chicken Masala
Chicken masala is a spicy chicken curry dish that originated in Northern India. Its defining ingredients are a onion-tomato gravy base yogurt and spices like coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, garam masala, turmeric, and bay leaves.
To make chicken masala, boneless chicken pieces are marinated in the yogurt and spices. The chicken is then cooked until tender before being added to the gravy The gravy is made by sautéing onions, tomatoes, and spices together. Some recipes also include cashew nuts or almonds for added creaminess
In general, chicken masala tastes rich, creamy, and slightly spicy. Because so many spices are used, it’s known for having a strong smell. Based on the type and amount of chili peppers used, the taste can range from mild to very spicy.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. It consists of boneless chicken tikka (pieces of marinated chicken that are grilled or baked) served in a creamy tomato-based gravy.
The origin of chicken tikka masala is debated, but it likely originated in Punjab region between India and Pakistan. It rose to popularity in the UK in the 1970s and is now considered one of the national dishes of Britain.
To make chicken tikka masala, chicken is marinated in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. The chicken tikka is then grilled or baked until charred and cooked through. Next, the chicken tikka is added to a gravy made from tomatoes, cream, spices like garam masala and chili powder, and often fenugreek leaves.
Smoky grilled chicken and a creamy, mildly spicy tomato-based gravy are what make chicken tikka masala what it is. Compared to chicken masala, it has a stronger smoky taste. The taste can range from mild to moderately spicy.
Key Differences
Some things make chicken masala and chicken tikka masala different, even though they are both creamy chicken curries made with tomatoes:
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Main protein: Chicken masala uses boneless chicken chunks, while tikka masala uses grilled/baked chicken tikka.
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Cooking method: Chicken tikka is grilled/baked before adding to gravy, giving it a smoky flavor. Chicken masala’s chicken is cooked directly in the gravy.
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Spice level: Chicken tikka masala is often milder compared to chicken masala.
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Origin: Chicken masala is derived from Northern India, while chicken tikka masala comes from Punjab/UK.
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Texture: Chicken tikka masala often has more tender, juicy chicken pieces compared to chicken masala.
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Flavor profile: Chicken tikka masala has a prominent smoky tandoori flavor, while chicken masala focuses more on aromatic spices.
Tips for Making Chicken Masala and Tikka Masala
Here are some tips to make authentic, flavorful chicken masala and chicken tikka masala at home:
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Use good quality spices and grind them fresh if possible.
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Marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight to maximize flavor.
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Cook the gravy base well to build deep flavor. Cook onions until caramelized.
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For tikka masala, grill or broil the chicken tikka until charred for smoky flavor.
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Finish the gravy with butter, cream, or coconut milk for richness.
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Adjust spice levels to taste. Use more chili peppers or chili powder for extra heat.
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Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.
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Serve with naan, basmati rice, or Indian flatbreads.
With the right techniques and ingredients, you can make restaurant-quality chicken masala and chicken tikka masala at home! Let us know if you have a favorite recipe or variation.
The Origin Of Chicken Tikka Masala
As we’ve eluded to, the origin story of the chicken tikka masala is the stuff of legends. While many people assume that this dish originated in India, the most popular origin story places its roots in Scotland when a Bengali chef had to improvise in a jiffy. Today, many consider it to be the national dish of the UK. The dish is celebrated for embracing the diverse and ancient heritage of the islands.
However, there is considerable debate around this topic. Due to its complex history, widespread adoption, and variety of preparation, the dish’s exact beginnings may never be fully known.
No discussion of chicken tikka masala history is complete without the story of the Ali family. On a dark and stormy Glasgow night in 1971, an off-duty bus driver stopped in at a local Indian restaurant for a plate of chicken curry. The chef, Ali Ahmed Aslam, delivered his dish, but the bus driver was displeased and returned it for being too dry.
To make the dish more moist, Ali used a creamy tomato soup that was already on the stove. The bus driver enjoyed his new plate so much that he regularly returned for years, bringing his friends and family to enjoy Ali’s new creation. Thus, chicken tikka masala was born.
Of course, there are those who doubt the veracity of this tale. Others who study food history say that the dish is just a milder version of similar, hotter dishes from the Punjab regions of India. They believe the dish dates back much further, possibly even originating in the 1940s.
So, even though some say the dish came from Britain, it really came from Bangladeshi chefs who made it to please the milder Scottish palate.
Whatever the case, nearly everyone agrees on a few key points. First, the dish involves chicken tikka (small pieces or bits of meat) and creamy tomato masala. Second, chicken tikka masala is now a delicious, worldwide favorite among the wide offerings of Indian cuisine. Indian restaurants from North America to Asia prepare it as a feature dish, and some of the world’s top chefs offer it on their menus.
Along with vindaloos and butter chicken, it is likely the most widely known Indian dish on Earth. This brings up the much-debated question: what’s the difference between chicken tikka masala and butter chicken?
Butter Chicken Vs Chicken Tikka Masala
FAQ
Is chicken masala the same as chicken tikka masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish made with chunks of marinated chicken covered in a creamy, heavily spiced curry sauce made from tomatoes. Chicken Marsala, on the other hand, gets its name from the wine that is used in the recipe. It owes its name to that heavily-spiced sauce, as masala is an Indian term for a mixture of spices.
Is tikka masala the same as chicken marsala?
They’re completely different. Chicken marsala is an Italian dish with mushrooms and wine sauce. Chicken tikka masala is Indian, with a spiced tomato and cream sauce. ” “It’s interesting though, they’d be so similar, isn’t it? And I always thought okay, Chicken Marsala.
Which is spicier, tikka or masala?
While tikka masala is on the spicier side, is made with boneless chicken and has a chunky sauce due to the usage of chopped onions. It is also cooked in oil and sometimes a small amount of butter is used.
What is chicken masala made of?
Chicken masala is typically made with chicken, various spices (including garam masala), onions, tomatoes, and sometimes yogurt or cream. The specific spices used can vary, but often include coriander, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and red chili powder.