When it comes to Pakistani food, very few dishes receive as much love as Chicken Tikka Masala. It is a comfort meal, a family favourite, and a restaurant-style dish that you can easily make at home with simple ingredients. What makes the Pakistani version so special is its deep flavour, smoky aroma, and rich masala that tastes perfect with naan, paratha, or steamed rice.
What Makes Pakistani Chicken Tikka Masala Unique?
Pakistani food is all about bold spices, slow cooking, and building flavour step by step. Our Chicken Tikka Masala is:
- Rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced
- Cooked in a tomato-based gravy
- Made with marinated chicken for deep flavour
- Slightly smoky like tandoori dishes
- Perfectly balanced – not too spicy, not too bland
Unlike the Indian restaurant version, the Pakistani style has stronger masalas, less sugar, and a thicker gravy that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Ingredients You Need
For the Chicken Marinade
½ kg boneless or bone-in chicken
½ cup yoghurt
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp paprika (optional for colour)
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil
For the Masala Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, blended
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ¼ cup cream or milk
- Fresh coriander
- Green chillies (optional)
Step-by-Step Method (Easy for Beginners)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
For the best flavour, mix yoghurt, spices, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and oil in a bowl. Add chicken pieces and make sure each piece is coated well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinate overnight — the flavour becomes incredible.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You can prepare the chicken in three ways:
- Pan fry on medium heat until slightly charred
- Grill on a grill pan for smoky flavour
- Bake for 15–20 minutes at 200°C
Once cooked, keep it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking in the gravy.
Step 3: Prepare the Masala Gravy
Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and cook until golden.
Now add ginger garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Pour in your tomato puree and cook it until the oil separates — this is the secret to a perfect Pakistani gravy.
Add all the spices: red chilli, turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Stir well. The masala should have a rich, aromatic smell.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Add the cooked chicken to the gravy, mix well, and let it simmer.
The chicken will absorb all the flavours at this stage.
Now add cream or milk to make the gravy creamy and smooth.
Cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes.
Finish with garam masala, fresh coriander, and a small spoon of butter for that restaurant-style shine.
Serving Suggestions (Pakistani Style)
Chicken Tikka Masala tastes amazing with:
- Garlic naan
- Homemade parathas
- Tandoori roti
- Steamed basmati rice
- Zeera rice
- Fresh kachumber salad
Add a little raita on the side, and your meal becomes complete and satisfying.
Variations You Can Try
1. Smoky BBQ Tikka Masala
Heat a coal piece, place it in the pot, and add a few drops of ghee. Cover for 1 minute to get a tandoori aroma.
2. Healthy Low-Oil Version
Use boiled tomato puree and grill the chicken without oil.
3. Creamy Restaurant Style
Add extra cream and 1 tsp kasuri methi for a richer flavour.
Why People Love This Dish
Chicken Tikka Masala is more than a recipe — it’s a dish connected to family gatherings, Eid dinners, Sunday lunches, and special occasions. It’s loved because:
- It’s easy
- It’s flavorful
- It suits every age group
- It feels luxurious yet homely
- It never disappoints
Every spoonful provides the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and warmth.
Conclusion
Pakistani Chicken Tikka Masala is a complete flavour experience. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate the rich, smoky, restaurant-style taste right in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for guests or making a weekend dinner for your family, this recipe will always become a favourite.
It’s the kind of dish that brings people together — and that’s what Pakistani cooking is all about.
