Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala is exactly what it sounds like. a simplified, yet incredibly tasty version of the classic Indian dish. The beauty of it is in its minimalism. You get the full, rich flavor of a Chicken Tikka Masala without the complicated prep or long ingredient list. No fancy spices or hours of simmering! Jamie pares down the recipe to just five essential ingredients. So, it’s perfect if you want something that feels authentic but doesn’t take over your whole evening.

Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients Needed

So, what are the magical five ingredients that make this dish work? Here they are:

1. Chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless and full of flavor. Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts, so they’re the perfect choice for this recipe.
2. Tikka Masala curry paste. The base of the flavor. It’s a mix of spices and usually includes things like cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili. You can grab this in most supermarkets.
3. Coconut milk – Adds that creamy richness. It’s milder than dairy but it helps balance out the spices and gives the dish its signature smooth texture.
4. Tomatoes – These can be fresh or canned but you need something to bring in that acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of the coconut milk.
5. Coriander (cilantro) – A fresh garnish that brings a pop of color and a fresh, citrusy bite to balance the richness.

Equipment Needed

What’s the kitchen gear needed to whip up this dish? It’s pretty minimalistic:

1. A large frying pan or skillet – You’ll need a good-sized pan to cook the chicken and sauce.
2. Chopping board and knife. For prepping the chicken and chopping your tomatoes.
3. Wooden spoon or spatula. To stir and keep everything from sticking to the pan.
4. Measuring spoons (optional) – If you’re a stickler for precise amounts, though with just five ingredients, you can pretty much eyeball it.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala

Now comes the fun part. Making this dish is pretty straightforward but it packs a punch when it comes to flavor!

1. Cook the chicken: Start by slicing the chicken thighs into chunks. Throw them into a hot pan with a little oil and cook until golden and cooked through. This gives you that nice caramelized texture.
2. Add the curry paste: Next, add the tikka masala paste. Stir it around with the chicken to let all those spices infuse into the meat. It’ll smell amazing!
3. Add the tomatoes: Toss in your chopped tomatoes (or canned if you’re going the easy route). Let it cook down for a few minutes until it’s starting to break down into a nice sauce.
4. Coconut milk goes in: Pour in the coconut milk and give it a good stir. This is what makes the dish creamy and rich. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to thicken up and let the flavors meld.
5. Garnish with coriander: Finally, sprinkle a handful of fresh coriander on top for that fresh, vibrant kick. You’re done!

What I Learnt

Making this dish taught me a lot about the power of simplicity. Sometimes less really is more! With just five ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came from a fancy Indian restaurant. It’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. The key is finding the right balance of flavors. and that’s exactly what Jamie nails in this recipe. The chicken, curry paste, coconut milk, tomatoes and coriander come together so effortlessly, creating a perfect dish with minimal effort. The use of coconut milk makes it feel indulgent without being overly rich.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala is a fantastic, simple dish for those days when you crave a tasty meal but don’t have a ton of time or ingredients. However, there’s always room for a little creativity. If you’re looking to make the recipe your own, here are a few tweaks that can elevate it even more.

1. Add Fresh Herbs: The recipe calls for a basic spice mix but adding some fresh cilantro (coriander) on top after cooking can really enhance the flavor. Fresh basil or mint can also provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the spices.
2. Swap for Greek Yogurt: If you’re after a creamier texture or want a bit more tang, swap regular yogurt for Greek yogurt. It’ll still give that rich, velvety texture but with a slight difference in flavor, adding a bit more depth.
3. Boost the Spice: While the original recipe is pretty mild, you can always up the heat. Try adding a couple of extra green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just remember to start small. you can always add more but you can’t take it away!
4. Add Vegetables: To make it more of a one-pan wonder, consider throwing in some spinach or bell peppers. Spinach wilts beautifully and adds a nice contrast in texture while bell peppers will give it a slight sweetness that balances the spices.
5. Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when cooking. They’ll add a deeper flavor and tenderness that chicken breasts might lack. They’re often more affordable.
6. Add Coconut Milk: For a creamier, slightly tropical twist, pour in some coconut milk towards the end. It’ll mellow out the spices and bring a luscious richness to the sauce.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

The beauty of Chicken Tikka Masala is that it only gets better the next day! Here’s how to keep those leftovers tasting fresh:

1. Cool Before Storing: Let the chicken tikka masala cool to room temperature before storing it. Putting it straight into the fridge while it’s still hot can cause condensation which could make it soggy and dilute the flavor.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Store your leftovers in airtight containers. This helps maintain the moisture in the sauce and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. If you have a vacuum-sealed container, even better!
3. Freezing: If you know you’re not going to finish it within a few days, freeze the chicken tikka masala. It freezes really well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it properly before freezing and portion it out into smaller containers for easier defrosting. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
4. Reheat Slowly: When reheating, do it slowly on a low heat. This helps retain the chicken’s moisture and prevents the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of water or cream when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala?

The beauty of chicken tikka masala lies in how it can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best options to elevate the meal even more:

1. Fluffy Rice: Classic basmati rice is the go-to pairing. Its fragrance and fluffy texture complement the richness of the tikka masala. If you want something a little more exciting, try a saffron rice or a pilaf with peas and raisins for a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.
2. Naan Bread: You can’t go wrong with naan! Warm, soft naan is perfect for scooping up that delicious sauce. If you want to get a bit more indulgent, you could even go for garlic naan or cheese naan for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Roasted Vegetables: For something a little lighter, try roasted vegetables. Cauliflower, carrots and bell peppers, roasted until slightly charred, will add a lovely sweetness and texture that balances out the richness of the chicken tikka masala.
4. Cucumber Raita: Raita, a cooling yogurt-based side with cucumber and mint, works wonderfully to balance the spices. It’s refreshing, light and adds a creamy element to the meal.
5. Salad: A fresh, zesty salad with tomatoes, red onions and a simple lemon dressing can cut through the richness of the curry. The acidity of the lemon will provide a nice contrast to the creamy and spiced tikka masala.
6. Pickles: Indian-style pickles add a nice tangy, salty punch. They’re often spicy and tangy, making them the perfect sidekick to the creamy and rich tikka masala.

FAQs

What Are The 5 Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken, tikka masala paste, natural yogurt, fresh coriander, and lemon.

Can I Use A Different Protein Instead Of Chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with lamb, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala?

It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook this dish, making it perfect for a quick meal.