Yes, it's a bit of effort the first time—but totally worth it! You'll need to decide whether to make the spice blends yourself or go with pre-made ones. We eat a lot of curry, and I really enjoy making it. There are loads of versions of this dish out there. I heard it was actually invented by an Indian chef in Scotland who tossed in a tin of tomato soup! In the UK, it's so popular that some folks just call it CTM.

For detailed instructions on preparing the spice mixes (Garam Masala, Curry Powder, Curry Paste, and Tikka Masala Mix), please see our Indian Spice Mixes page.

This recipe walks you through the whole process of making Chicken Tikka Masala from scratch, including your own spice mixes. It might feel like a lot at first, but the blends keep for ages and really take the flavour to the next level—proper restaurant quality!

Chicken Tikka Masala Served in a Traditional Bowl
One of my wife's favourite meals

Chicken Tikka Marinade

This could not be simpler. It really does taste better if you do it overnight and it means you will have less to do on the day.

Ingredients

  • 150g plain yoghurt
  • 3 tbsp mustard oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1 bunch of coriander leaves
  • 3 fresh chillies
  • 1 tsp mint sauce
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp curry paste
  • 2 tbsp tikka masala mix
  • 1 tsp salt

Method

  1. Mix all ingredients into a smooth marinade.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Marinating time: Overnight

Chicken Pieces Marinating in Tikka Spices
I sometimes make a double batch and freeze

Chicken Tikka

Finally on the home straight. There's a bit so I have tried to help you with a prep stage

Ingredients

  • 700g chicken, bite-sized pieces
  • 1 batch of Spicy Tandoori Tikka Marinade
  • 4 tbsp ghee
  • 1 tbsp ground almonds
  • 2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp garlic purée
  • 1 tbsp ginger purée
  • 2 tbsp curry paste
  • 2 tbsp tikka masala mix
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp tomato chutney
  • 200ml single cream
  • 85ml coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • 1 tbsp desiccated coconut

Ingredient Prep (Left to Right)

Setting up the ingredients lets you follow the cooking method smoothly, just like the professionals do on TV cooking shows.

  1. Almonds and garam masala
  2. Chopped onions
  3. Cumin, garlic, ginger, curry paste, and tikka masala
  4. Tomato ketchup, brown sugar, and tomato chutney
  5. Coconut milk
  6. Single cream
Ingredients Preparation for Chicken Tikka Masala
Getting organised reduces the stress

Main Method

  1. Marinate the chicken overnight in the marinade.
  2. Next day prepare the ingredients
  3. Preheat the grill to high.
  4. Place chicken on a grill (about 20 minutes turning once)
  5. Heat ghee in a wok on a low heat
  6. Add onions, cumin, ginger curry paste and tikka masala (bowl 3)
  7. Cook for 10 minutes until the onions are soft with lid on
  8. Add chicken to wok with tomato ketchup, brown sugar (bowl 4)
  9. Cook to combine for a couple of minute
  10. Add almonds, gram masala (bowl 1) coconut milk and cream
  11. Garnish with fresh coriander and desiccated coconut

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes

Chicken Tikka Cooking on the Grill
Some people use skewers or a BBQ but works fine on the grill

First Time Making Chicken Tikka Masala?

Don't be intimidated by the multiple components! The spice mixes can be prepared weeks in advance, and the marinade can be made the day before. Focus on getting organized with your prep bowls, and the cooking process will flow smoothly.

← Back to Recipes View Spice Mixes →

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