Chicken tikka masala recipe

This easy chicken tikka masala recipe has got to be one of our favourite curry recipes. Chicken breast is cooked with ready made tikka masala paste and thickened with single cream and it's ready in just 35 mins. This simple recipe serves 4 people and is the perfect family choice on a Friday evening when you're looking for a healthier alternative to your usual takeaway. You can make this curry recipe cheaper to make too if you're watching the pennies by swapping chicken breast for chicken thighs instead, which are much cheaper to buy. This curry can be frozen as long as you use fresh chicken and not chicken that has been previously frozen. Make sure you defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight or during the day and reheat until piping hot to serve. Serve with rice and naan bread. A portion of this classic chicken tikka masala recipe works out at only 350 calories per serving.

Ingredients

• 2 tbs groundnut oil
• 1 onion, peeled and sliced
• 500g (1lb) chicken breast escalopes, each cut into 4
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 3 tbs tikka masala paste (we used Patak’s)
• 500g carton passata
• 170ml carton single cream

To serve:

• ¼ cucumber, cut into fine sticks
• 5 radishes, cut into fine sticks
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into fine sticks
• 1 teaspoon malt vinegar
• Boiled basmati rice (see tip)

Method

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the onion and cook gently for 5 mins to soften it.
2. Add chicken, season and cook gently for 5 mins, turning meat as needed, until browned.
3. Add the tikka masala paste, stir for 1 min, then add the passata and warm through.
4. Stir in the cream and simmer for 5 mins.
5. Meanwhile, mix the cucumber, radish and carrot with vinegar. Serve alongside the curry and rice.