By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 8, 2023 | Last Updated on February 24, 2024
Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala is an iconic and immensely popular Indian dish. It is thought to have originated in the Punjab region of India and was then popularized around the world.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s version is particularly noteworthy due to its unique blend of flavors and ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those looking to expand their cooking repertoire with authentic Indian cuisine.
If you want to try this at home, read this article for a step-by-step guide on how to make Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala.
We’ll provide you with a list of ingredients, as well as easy-to-follow instructions and tips to ensure that your dish comes out tasting just like the restaurant version. Get ready to experience a great flavor in your mouth!
What is Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala?
Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic Indian curry dish, consisting of marinated chunks of chicken cooked in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce.
The base of the sauce consists of garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes, spices, cashew paste, and heavy cream which are all blended together to create an incredibly rich and complex flavor.
What does it taste like?
Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala is bursting with flavor. The combination of garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes, spices, and cream creates an incredibly complex and rich flavor profile.
The chicken pieces are tender and juicy due to the yogurt-based marinade, while the thick sauce adds a creamy texture to the dish.
How did I first get introduced to Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala?
I was first introduced to Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala by my sister, who is an avid follower of his YouTube channel. She showed me one of his videos on how to make the dish and I was immediately intrigued!
After watching the video, I decided to give it a try for myself and haven’t looked back since. It is now one of my favorite Indian dishes and I make it on a regular basis.
I love Sanjeev Kapoor’s recipe because it captures the essence of what makes this dish so special – the complex blend of flavors, the tenderness of the chicken, and the velvety texture of the sauce.
Not only is his version delicious, but it is also easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. If you’ve never tried Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala, I highly recommend giving it a shot! You won’t regret it.
How to make Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala?
Making Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala is quite simple. Here are the ingredients and steps you’ll need to make this dish:
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Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breast: this will form the base of your marinade and provide the bulk of your dish’s protein content
- Plain yogurt: helps tenderize the chicken pieces before cooking.
- Garlic and ginger: add a pungent flavor to your marinade as well as many health benefits.
- Cumin, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt: add a variety of flavors as well as many health benefits.
- Oil or ghee: will be used to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger for your sauce.
- Garlic: use minced cloves for the marinade and finely chopped cloves for the sauce.
- Ginger: use minced pieces for the marinade and mince a 1-inch piece for the sauce.
- Onions: chopped into small pieces to make the base of your sauce.
- Tomatoes: chopped into small pieces and used both as part of the main ingredients and to thicken your sauce.
- Salt: to taste, but will largely depend on how salty you like your dish.
- Tomato puree: used to thicken your sauce
- Coriander powder, turmeric, chili powder, cardamom powder, and garam masala: add flavor and spice to the dish.
- Cashew paste: soaked, drained, and pureed cashews are used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
- Dried fenugreek leaves: give a bitter yet sweet flavor to the dish.
- Butter: adds a depth of flavor to the sauce
- Heavy cream: gives the sauce its creamy texture and helps mellow out some of the spices.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Start by marinating your chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything together in a large bowl until all the chicken pieces are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to overnight for better results.
Step 2
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt to taste. Cook until the tomatoes are tender (about 8 minutes).
Step 3
Add the tomato puree and mix well. Add the coriander powder, turmeric, chili powder, cardamom powder, garam masala, cashew paste, and fenugreek leaves. Stir everything together and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
Step 4
Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the butter and cream. Stir everything together, cover, and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 6
Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Tips
– Adjust the spices and salt to your desired taste.
– Substitute chicken with other proteins like beef, lamb, or paneer for a unique twist on this classic dish.
– Use ghee instead of oil for an even more authentic flavor.
– You can also substitute heavy cream for coconut milk for a vegan option.
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe by Sanjeev Kapoor
Equipment
- bowl
- Blender
Ingredients
For chicken marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp garlic & ginger paste
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp plain chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp Salt to taste
For the sauce
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomatoes chopped
- 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion
- Sea salt to taste
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves
- 2 tbsp cashew paste soaked, drained, and pureed cashews
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
Instructions
- Start by marinating your chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything together in a large bowl until all the chicken pieces are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to overnight for better results.
- Heat oil or ghee in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the chopped tomatoes and season with salt to taste. Cook until the tomatoes are tender (about 8 minutes).
- Add the tomato puree and mix well. Add the coriander powder, turmeric, chili powder, cardamom powder, garam masala, cashew paste, and fenugreek leaves. Stir everything together and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
- Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the butter and cream. Stir everything together, cover, and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 369kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Cholesterol: 126mg
Sodium: 668mg
Potassium: 1606mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 13g
Vitamin A: 1927IU
Vitamin C: 28mg
Calcium: 140mg
Iron: 5mg
What to serve with Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala?
Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala pairs great with basmati rice or naan bread. It also goes well with a simple side dish of cooked vegetables like peas, potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower.
The creamy and flavorful nature of this dish also makes it extremely versatile; it can be enjoyed as an entrée on its own or even used as a topping for pizza or pasta.
For an even heartier meal, you can try serving the masala with Indian-style pulao rice (a type of flavored rice dish), raita (a yogurt-based side dish), and some crunchy poppies.
How to store leftover Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala?
It is best to have it on the same day it is made, but any leftover can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the contents of the container into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through
.
You can also freeze Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala in an airtight container or bag for leftovers up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen masala in the refrigerator overnight and then transfer it into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until warmed through. Enjoy!
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala. However, it is important to note that certain ingredients used in this dish may not be suitable for pregnant women. So, it is best to consult with your doctor before consuming this dish.
FAQs
Is Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala spicy?
This dish can be made to taste—it can be as mild or as spicy as you’d like. You can adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to create a flavor that suits your preference.
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the thighs until they are fully cooked through before adding them to the sauce.
Can I use a different type of yogurt for marinating?
Yes, you can use any type of yogurt (such as Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt) to marinate the chicken. Just make sure it is plain, unsweetened yogurt for best results.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala a bit healthier, you can try reducing the amount of oil used, substituting heavy cream with coconut milk, and using leaner cuts of chicken or replacing it with other proteins such as tofu, chickpeas, or lentil.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to read about Sanjeev Kapoor’s Chicken Tikka Masala. This classic Indian dish is full of flavor and will transport your taste buds to a whole new level.
With its marinaded chicken pieces, creamy sauce, and fragrant spices, it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
We hope that you have gained some useful knowledge and tips about this dish, so you can confidently make it at home and impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to share this article with everyone.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
