The History of Chicken Tikka Masala and Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular and iconic dish with a somewhat disputed history. It is widely believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, but its exact origin is uncertain. The dish is known for its flavorful combination of grilled chicken (chicken tikka) served in a rich, creamy, and spiced tomato-based sauce (masala). Here's a brief overview of the history of Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Origins in India: Some theories suggest that Chicken Tikka Masala has its roots in traditional Indian cuisine. The concept of marinating meat in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor (clay oven) has been a part of Indian culinary traditions for centuries. Tandoori chicken, a dish where marinated chicken is cooked in a tandoor, likely influenced the creation of Chicken Tikka, a dish of marinated and grilled chicken pieces.

• Creation in the UK: The popular narrative is that Chicken Tikka Masala originated in the United Kingdom, particularly in Glasgow or Birmingham, in the 1960s or 1970s. One version of the story suggests that a customer at an Indian restaurant in Glasgow complained that the chicken was too dry, leading the chef to create a sauce to moisten the dish, resulting in what we now know as Chicken Tikka Masala.

• Global Spread: Regardless of its exact origin, Chicken Tikka Masala gained immense popularity in the UK and subsequently around the world. It became a staple in Indian restaurants and takeout menus globally, adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

• Cultural Impact: Chicken Tikka Masala is often considered a symbol of multiculturalism and culinary fusion. It reflects the blending of Indian and British culinary traditions, as well as the ability of food to evolve and adapt to new environments.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding its origin, Chicken Tikka Masala remains a beloved and widely consumed dish, both in traditional Indian cuisine and in various adaptations around the world. Its rich and flavorful combination of grilled chicken and creamy tomato sauce continues to be a favorite for many.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe;

Here's a basic recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala. Keep you guys in mind that there are many variations of this dish, and you can adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preferences.

Chicken Tikka Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (about 700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or minced ginger and garlic)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

Masala Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Chicken Tikka:

1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, vegetable oil, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Masala Sauce:

1. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring continuously. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the baked chicken tikka pieces to the sauce, allowing them to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!

I recommend you to watch these Chicken Tikka Masala recipe videos I shared below;

1) https://youtu.be/O5l1SMavklI?si=fUB6eudaGSDdeBrP

2) https://youtu.be/lnRmIKkGCIA?si=JccxNSKRDXnE4Ltf

3) https://youtu.be/y-VjBxMufhw?si=eMhHDp9r0YP9jaxo

4) https://youtu.be/ht5myyg8Y3k?si=PllANFSUZhBXh3LB

5) https://youtu.be/BOKdsepCrbc?si=MvpdcxMaYDmLrhZc

6) https://youtu.be/pFeE8_VqdfA?si=qChGFRabUbCjz1-p

7) https://youtu.be/HMfUsS9zeuw?si=R4g_aJDc3wyJb3Za

8) https://youtu.be/txc_kiNLhGg?si=pPfLqOtvrW6qMZxa

9) https://youtu.be/2uh43v-9AO0?si=a6znRGdl0ygJjLgT

10) https://youtu.be/yLAnwRl1Cas?si=LQM5Lt6lnxhhrEUg

References;

1.  Lloyd, J and Mitchinson, J. The Book of General Ignorance. Faber & Faber, 2006
2. Siciliano-Rosen, Laura; Rogers, Kara. "Chicken tikka masala". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
3. Jackson, Peter (2010). A Cultural Politics of Curry in "Hybrid Cultures, Nervous States: Britain and Germany in a (post)colonial World". Amsterdam: Rodopi BV. p. 172. ISBN 9789042032286. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
4. Webb, Andrew (2011). Food Britannia. Random House. p. 177. ISBN 978-1847946232. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
5. Irwin, Heather (September 2019). "A Butter Chicken Vs. Tikka Masala Showdown at Cumin in Santa Rosa". Sonoma Magazine. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
6. Dutt, Vijay (21 October 2007). "60 years of Chicken Tikka Masala". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
7. Ghosh, Bobby (19 January 2023). "How I Learned to Stop Hating and Respect Chicken Tikka Masala". Bloomberg News. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
8. Taylor, Emma. "Most people have no clue chicken tikka masala isn't an Indian dish, according to a top Indian chef". Insider. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
9. Thaker, Aruna; Barton, Arlene (2012). Multicultural Handbook of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics. John Wiley & Sons. p. 74. ISBN 9781405173582.
10. Grove, Peter; Grove, Colleen (2008). "Is It or Isn't It? (The Chicken Tikka Masala Story)". Menu Magazine. Grove Publications. Archived from the original on 27 November 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
11. "From Charles Mackintosh's waterproof to Dolly the sheep: 43 innovations Scotland has given the world". The Independent. 30 December 2016.