Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish, which uses marinated chicken breast and garam masala. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g), cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely grated fresh root ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp hot chilli powder (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 150g natural yoghurt

For the Masala Sauce:

• 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely grated fresh root ginger
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 50g ground almonds
• 150ml double cream
• 1 tsp soft light brown sugar
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh coriander, to garnish

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix all marinade ingredients. Add chicken chunks and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
2. Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill over a tray for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred and cooked through.
3. Start the sauce: While chicken cooks, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
4. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Simmer the sauce: Add chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Finish the sauce: Stir in ground almonds, double cream, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine and serve: Add grilled chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless chicken thighs are juicier and flavorful.
• How spicy is this dish? It has mild heat. Adjust the chilli powder to taste.
• What’s the best way to marinate the chicken? Overnight in the fridge gives the deepest flavor.
• Can I freeze it? Yes, cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently.
• How to thicken the sauce? Simmer longer or add a bit more ground almonds.

What To Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala

Serve this rich curry with soft breads or fluffy rice:

• Steamed basmati rice
• Garlic naan bread
• Cucumber raita
• Mango chutney
• Roasted cauliflower

How To Store Chicken Tikka Masala

Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Defrost in fridge and reheat gently.

Chicken Tikka Masala Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 40g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a grill pan instead of a grill?
Yes, a grill pan works well for searing the chicken.

Can I skip the marinating time?
Marinating enhances flavor, but if rushed, 30 minutes is the bare minimum.

Is ground almond necessary?
It thickens and enriches the sauce, but can be substituted with cashew paste or left out.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.

How to make it more authentic?
Char the chicken slightly and use fresh spices for deeper flavor.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Apple Crumble Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Pease Pudding Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Easy Tarte Tatin Recipe