What Goes In Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Thigh or Breast

Chicken is one of the main ingredients in this dish. Obviously, it’s made from chicken, but aside from that, you might still be wondering what goes in chicken tikka masala. Either chicken thigh or breast part will be coated and marinated with aromatic spiced tikka yogurt. The use of chicken thighs instead of the breast will result in a juicy and delicious taste. It will also lessen the marinating time as it will soak all the flavors in a minimum of 10 minutes.

If you prefer the breast part instead of the thighs, marinate the chicken overnight for best results when cooking over a high heat pressure. The overnight marination will give the chicken time to soak all the yogurt and spices used. 

It is best to use a well-seasoned cast-iron frypan or a regular non-stick pan when cooking the chicken. Sizzling your chicken in two to three sets will avoid over-crowding of the ingredient and help simmer in juices that will result in the golden-brown color of the chicken.

If you are currently thinking about what goes in chicken tikka masala, here is the list of ingredients for marinating the chicken:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breast
• Plain yogurt
• Minced garlic
• Ginger
• Garam Masala
• Turmeric powder
• Ground cumin
• Kashmiri chili
• Salt

Choice of Spices

Listed below are the combination of spices used in chicken tikka masala’s creamy tomato sauce that make serves various health benefits.

Salt

The body uses salt to maintain the acid balance of the blood and for normal cell function. The salt also helps to control blood pressure and is essential for the nerve and muscle.

Turmeric Powder

The turmeric power’s most active compound, curcumin, has many scientifically proven health benefits. It has potential nutrients that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. It has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps calm the symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Garam Masala

The garam masala is rich in antioxidants that help in preventing skin problems and fight inflammation. This pepper is also good for giving a boost to your body’s metabolism.

Coriander Powder

The coriander powder as a spice ingredient helps improve your blood sugar levels, heart health, promote digestion and boost immunity.

Cumin Powder

Using cumin powder as a spice ingredient increases your antioxidant intake that promotes digestion, improves blood sugar level control, provides iron, as well as reduces food-borne illnesses. 

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder

Kashmiri red chili powder is rich in Vitamin C that helps in building up your immunity, useful for the skin and health of blood vessels. It is also a good source of antioxidants.

Cardamom Powder

Cardamom powder as a spice contains a chemical that treats intestinal spasms, reduces swelling, kills bacteria, and helps build up the immune system.

Tikka Masala Sauce

Tikka masala is a tomato and cream-based sauce that is either form of heavy cream, cashews, or yogurt with a lot of traditional Indian spices. It is made up of easy-to-find ingredients that you can find in the local wet market or supermarket. Here is the list of what you need in making a tikka masala sauce only:

1. Regular unsalted butter.
2. Onion, ginger, and garlic are the ingredients that will provide a flavorful aroma.
3. Diced tomato.
4. Raw cashews can create a leafy and creamy-based texture for the sauce. 
5. Water for the base of the sauce.
6. Spices include salt, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder,  coriander powder, and cardamom powder.
7. Kashmiri red chili powder to add some spicy flavor.
8. Dried Fenugreek or Kasoori Methi are dried leaves used for curry blends.
9. Butter for a special finishing touch.
10. Honey or sugar, for a touch of sweetness.