Ingredients
For Chicken Tikka
500 g boneless chicken, cubed
½ cup thick yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp red chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp oil
Salt to taste
For Masala Gravy
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3 medium tomatoes, pureed
1 tsp red chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp kasuri methi
½ cup fresh cream
½ cup water
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish
👩‍🍳 Method
1. Marinate the chicken Mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, oil and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (2–4 hours gives better flavour).
2. Cook the tikka Heat a pan or grill. Cook the chicken pieces on medium-high heat until nicely browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Make the gravy
Heat butter and oil.
Add onion and sauté until golden.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add tomato puree and cook until the oil starts separating.
Add chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder and cumin powder.
Cook for 5–7 minutes.
Add water and simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Finish
Add the cooked chicken tikka.
Add garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in cream.
Garnish with fresh coriander.
🍽️ Serve With
Butter naan
Garlic naan
Tandoori roti
Jeera rice
Steamed basmati rice
⭐ Restaurant-style tip: Add a small piece of charcoal in a bowl placed inside the curry, drizzle a few drops of ghee over the charcoal, cover for 2 minutes, then remove it for a delicious smoky flavour.