Name: Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 150g (1/2 cup) plain yogurt; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat); 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes; 200ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk or heavy cream; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a modern twist on the classic British-Indian dish. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, packed with fragrant spices like cumin, garam masala, and paprika. The balance of savory spices and creamy sauce makes this dish a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or naan bread.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Rich and Flavorful: The spices, tomato sauce, and yogurt create a deep and creamy flavor.
Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken ensures that it’s juicy and packed with flavor.

Family-Friendly: A great dish for sharing, loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it easy to prepare.

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What is Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful dish inspired by Indian cuisine. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s an aromatic and hearty meal that is perfect for serving with basmati rice or naan bread. This dish is known for its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and tomato tang, making it a popular choice for home-cooked meals.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

150g (1/2 cup) plain yogurt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)

400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
200ml (3/4 cup) coconut milk or heavy cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste

Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala

Step 1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the plain yogurt with cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2. Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or a large pan over medium-high heat. If using a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. The chicken should be slightly charred on the edges but juicy inside. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3. Make the Tikka Masala Sauce

In a large pan or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Stir in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to release their flavors.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and coconut milk or cream to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Step 4. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5. Serve

Garnish the chicken tikka masala with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread. Squeeze lemon juice over the top for extra brightness.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala

Basmati Rice: Serve with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich sauce.
Naan Bread: Soft, warm naan bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce.

Raita: A cooling cucumber and yogurt raita helps balance the spices in the dish.
Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled or roasted vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy mango chutney pairs well with the spicy masala sauce.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala

Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Grill for a Smoky Flavor: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky, charred flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce to thicken it, creating a richer and more concentrated flavor.

Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili powder. For more heat, add extra chili or fresh green chilies.
Use Coconut Milk for Creaminess: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the spices.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala

Vegetarian Tikka Masala: Replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower and bell peppers.

Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala: Add more chili powder or fresh chilies for a spicier version of the dish.
Creamy Tikka Masala: Use heavy cream instead of coconut milk for an extra creamy and indulgent sauce.
Cheesy Tikka Masala: Add a handful of grated cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist.

Herb-Infused Masala: Add fresh herbs like mint or coriander to the sauce for a fresh, aromatic flavor.

How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze chicken tikka masala in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to keep track of how long the food has been stored.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala Leftovers

Stovetop: Reheat the chicken tikka masala in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Add Fresh Garnishes: After reheating, freshen up the dish with additional cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g

Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 4g

Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala?

Yes, you can freeze chicken tikka masala. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How long does Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala last in the fridge?

The chicken tikka masala will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then cook the chicken and combine with the sauce just before serving.

What can I serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Tikka Masala?

Serve this dish with basmati rice, naan bread, cucumber raita, or roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The tender, marinated chicken paired with the rich and creamy sauce creates an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Serve it with basmati rice or naan, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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