Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is rich, comforting and full of warm spice. It feels like a hug in a bowl.

I first cooked this dish on a slow evening when I wanted something familiar and cozy. The smell of spices filled my kitchen fast. It felt special.

In this post, I will show how to make Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala at home. I will also share the exact ingredients for Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala, with easy steps anyone can follow.

Why I Love Making This Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala

I love this dish because it feels classic and reliable. It never fails to please. The sauce is creamy and gently spiced. The chicken stays tender and juicy. Every spoon feels comforting.

This recipe also reminds me why simple cooking matters. You do not need fancy tools. You just need patience and good spices. I often make this when family visits. The table goes quiet. That is always a good sign.

Equipment List

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Blender or hand blender

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Course: Main dish
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired British
• Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala

For the chicken marinade:

• 1½ pounds boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Salt to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add yogurt, spices, garlic, ginger and salt. Mix well until every piece is coated. Cover and rest for at least thirty minutes. Longer marination gives deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Onion Base

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion. Cook slowly for eight to ten minutes. Stir often until soft and golden. This step builds sweetness and depth in the sauce.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger

Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions. Stir for one minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Gentle heat keeps the flavor smooth and balanced.

4. Toast the Spices

Add cumin, coriander, paprika and chili powder. Stir well. Cook for one minute. The spices should smell warm and rich. This step wakes up their flavor.

5. Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes

Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Mix well. Let the sauce simmer for five minutes. It should thicken slightly and turn a deep red color.

6. Blend the Sauce

Remove the pan from heat. Blend the sauce until smooth. You can use a blender or hand blender. Smooth sauce gives the dish its classic creamy texture.

7. Cook the Chicken

Heat a clean pan over medium heat. Add marinated chicken pieces. Cook for six to eight minutes. Turn often until lightly charred and mostly cooked through.

8. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the blended sauce over the chicken. Add water and stir gently. Simmer for ten minutes. The chicken finishes cooking and absorbs the sauce flavor.

9. Add Cream

Lower the heat. Pour in heavy cream slowly. Stir gently until the sauce turns rich and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

10. Garnish and Rest

Turn off the heat and rest for five minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm. The flavors settle and taste even better.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
• Add butter for richer sauce.
• Use coconut cream for dairy-free version.
• Adjust chili for spice preference.
• Grill chicken for smoky taste.

History or Fun Fact About the Dish

Chicken tikka masala is loved across the UK. Many believe it was created to suit British tastes. It blends Indian spices with creamy sauce.

The Hairy Bikers made it famous through simple, hearty cooking. Their version focuses on comfort and big flavor without fuss.

Pairings & Complementary Recipes

This dish pairs best with basmati rice. Naan bread is perfect for scooping sauce. A simple cucumber raita cools the spice. Pickled onions add crunch.

You can also serve it with chapati or jeera rice. Leftover sauce tastes amazing the next day. It often gets richer overnight.

Occasion or Event Ideas

This recipe is perfect for family dinners. It works well for weekend cooking. It is great for guests and celebrations. It also fits cozy nights at home.

I often cook it on Sundays. It makes the house smell warm. Everyone gathers early for dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in airtight container.
• Refrigerate up to three days.
• Reheat gently on stove.
• Add splash of water if thick.
• Avoid boiling when reheating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	30 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	620 mg

Health Benefits

This Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala offers balance when eaten mindfully. Chicken provides lean protein. Spices like turmeric and ginger support digestion.

Cooking at home reduces excess oil and salt. You can adjust cream levels easily. That makes this dish flexible and nourishing.

FAQs about Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Can I make this Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead. The flavors deepen after resting. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently. Many people feel it tastes even better the next day.

Is this Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala very spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced and balanced. It focuses on warmth, not heat. You can easily add more chili if you like spice. Reducing chili also works well for sensitive tastes.

What are the most important ingredients for Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala?
Yogurt is key for tender chicken. Garam masala adds warmth. Tomatoes create the base. Cream gives richness. Together, these ingredients build the classic flavor everyone loves.

Can I use store-bought tikka masala paste instead?
You can, but homemade tastes better. Making the sauce yourself allows control. You can adjust spice, salt and cream. It also feels more rewarding and fresh.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Marinating helps a lot. Do not overcook the chicken. Simmer gently in sauce. The yogurt and cream keep it tender and moist.

Final Thoughts

This Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is comforting, rich and deeply satisfying. It brings classic flavor into your home with ease.

The steps are simple. The result feels special. Once you make it, this dish often becomes a family favorite you return to again and again.