Chicken Tikka Masala is a globally recognized dish featuring roasted, marinated chicken pieces (chicken tikka) in a creamy, spiced sauce. While considered an Indian dish, its exact origins are debated. Many believe it was created in Glasgow, Scotland, in the 1970s by a Pakistani-Scottish chef named Ali Ahmed Aslam. According to this story, Aslam invented the dish to satisfy a customer who found his chicken tikka too dry, by adding a creamy tomato-based sauce. Some food historians suggest the dish is a British adaptation of butter chicken or other similar dishes from the Punjab region of India.
Regardless of its origin, Chicken Tikka Masala has become a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide and is particularly popular in the United Kingdom. In fact, it has been called a "true British national dish". The dish consists of boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, roasted, and then served in a creamy sauce. The sauce typically includes tomatoes, cream, and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The spices provide savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. Chicken Tikka Masala is typically served as a main course, often with rice or naan bread.
