Quick Answer
Chicken tikka masala often contains dairy ingredients like cream, yogurt, butter or ghee. However, it is possible to make dairy-free versions by using coconut milk and oils instead.
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that consists of chicken tikka (chicken pieces marinated in spices and yogurt then grilled or baked) simmered in a curry sauce. The sauce usually contains tomatoes, cream, spices like garlic, ginger and coriander, and yogurt or coconut milk.
There are many variations of chicken tikka masala, but the most common recipes call for a good amount of dairy products like yogurt, cream, butter or ghee (clarified butter). These ingredients give the sauce its rich, creamy texture.
Common Ingredients in Chicken Tikka Masala
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Protein source, marinated in yogurt and spices |
| Onion | Provides flavor base for sauce |
| Tomatoes | Adds richness and body to sauce |
| Cream or yogurt | Gives sauce smooth, creamy texture |
| Butter or ghee | Adds richness and enhances sauce flavor |
| Spices like garlic, ginger, coriander | Provides aromatic flavor to dish |
As you can see, many traditional chicken tikka masala recipes rely heavily on dairy products to achieve the right taste and texture. The creaminess comes from ingredients like full-fat yogurt, heavy cream, paneer (cheese), ghee or butter.
Does Chicken Tikka Masala Have to Contain Dairy?
While dairy is very common in chicken tikka masala, there are ways to prepare it without any dairy at all. With a few simple substitutions, you can make dairy-free chicken tikka masala that tastes nearly identical to the traditional version.
Here are some tips for making dairy-free chicken tikka masala:
– Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream or yogurt to make the sauce creamy. Full-fat coconut milk works best.
– Replace butter or ghee with coconut oil or olive oil when cooking the sauce.
– Marinate the chicken in non-dairy yogurt made from soy, coconut or almond milk. Or use lemon juice as a marinade instead.
– Season with extra garlic, ginger and spices to add lots of flavor without dairy.
– Finish with a dash of coconut cream or cashew cream to enrich the sauce.
– Garnish with cilantro instead of cream or yogurt-based raita.
With these simple substitutions, you can still achieve the rich, creamy, mildly spiced flavor that chicken tikka masala is known for, minus the dairy. Coconut milk is the most important ingredient for getting a creamy texture in dairy-free versions.
Benefits of Dairy-Free Chicken Tikka Masala
Making chicken tikka masala dairy-free offers several benefits:
1. Accommodates Dietary Restrictions
Dairy-free chicken tikka allows people with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance or vegan diets to enjoy this iconic dish. With over 65% of the global population unable to digest dairy, a dairy-free version is more accommodating.
2. Reduces Calories and Fat
Traditional chicken tikka masala made with cream, yogurt and ghee is high in saturated fat and calories. By using lighter coconut milk and oils, you can cut back on the fat and calories – a more waistline-friendly version.
3. Retains Nutrients
Coconut milk contains medium chain fatty acids that have health benefits compared to the saturated fats in dairy. A dairy-free chicken tikka masala made with coconut milk offers a more nutritious take on this curry dish.
4. Avoids Controversies Around Dairy
Some people choose to avoid dairy products due to concerns over animal welfare, environmental sustainability and health effects. Dairy-free chicken tikka removes those concerns for vegetarians or others looking to reduce dairy.
Tips for Making Dairy-Free Chicken Tikka Masala
Follow these tips for foolproof dairy-free chicken tikka masala with amazing flavor:
– Use full-fat canned coconut milk, not light. It has the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
– Sauté the sauce ingredients well to develop deep flavors before adding coconut milk.
– Add coconut milk at the end and briefly simmer – don’t boil – to preserve the creamy texture.
– Finish with a swirl of coconut cream and chopped cilantro for added richness and freshness.
– If the sauce seems too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and simmer into the sauce to thicken it up.
– For extra creamy texture, blend the finished sauce with an immersion blender before serving.
– Use roasted cashews to make a quick dairy-free “cream” – just blend with water and strain.
– For the chicken, marinate in soy or coconut milk yogurt seasoned with plenty of aromatic spices.
With these tips, your dairy-free chicken tikka masala will be just as luxuriously creamy and flavorful as the original. The key is using full-fat coconut milk and rounding out the flavors with garlic, ginger and herbs.
Dairy-Free Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
This recipe produces a fragrant, creamy dairy-free chicken tikka masala that will please all palates:
Ingredients
For the chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup full-fat coconut milk yogurt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Oil for baking
For the sauce:
– 2 tbsp coconut oil
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
– 2 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp turmeric
– 1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
– Juice of 1/2 lemon
– Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric and salt. Cover and marinate 30 minutes up to overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and place on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with oil. Bake 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion 5 minutes until softening. Add garlic, ginger and jalapeno; cook 1 minute.
5. Stir in garam masala and turmeric until fragrant, 1 minute. Add tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Simmer sauce 10 minutes until tomatoes break down. Stir in coconut milk and lemon juice; simmer 2-3 minutes more.
7. Add baked chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Gently simmer until chicken is heated through.
8. Serve chicken tikka masala garnished with cilantro. Enjoy over basmati rice or with naan.
FAQs
Does traditional chicken tikka masala contain dairy?
Yes, traditional recipes for chicken tikka masala include dairy products like yogurt, cream, paneer cheese, ghee or butter. These ingredients give it a rich, creamy texture.
What provides the creaminess in dairy-free chicken tikka masala?
Full-fat coconut milk is used in place of dairy to provide a creamy, luxurious texture. Cashew or coconut cream can also add extra creaminess.
What oil is best for cooking dairy-free chicken tikka masala?
Coconut oil and olive oil are good choices for cooking dairy-free chicken tikka masala. Avoid flavorless oils like canola or vegetable oil.
Is it possible to make dairy-free chicken tikka masala taste as good?
Yes, with a few simple substitutions like coconut milk and simmering the sauce well, you can make dairy-free chicken tikka masala taste just as amazing.
What is a good replacement for yogurt to marinate the chicken?
Non-dairy yogurt made from soy milk, coconut milk or almond milk works well for marinating chicken. Lemony marinades also work.
Conclusion
While traditional chicken tikka masala relies heavily on dairy products for its signature taste and texture, it is entirely possible to prepare delicious dairy-free versions. With coconut or cashew milk and some seasoning adjustments, you can make chicken tikka masala that is just as rich, creamy and flavorful without dairy. Going dairy-free offers advantages like fewer calories and accommodation of dietary restrictions. With the right techniques and ingredients, dairy-free chicken tikka masala can be a wonderfully flavorful curry option.
