A few years ago, I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. I was in the middle of a week full of tight deadlines and chaotic schedules. The thought of cooking something flavorful but simple was a relief. I love the fact that he’s managed to capture all the vibrant flavors of a traditional dish with so few ingredients. It’s honestly a game-changer for anyone who enjoys the taste of a homemade curry but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish turned out to be my go-to weeknight comfort food.
Since then, I’ve made it countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there. But every time, I still come back to the simple beauty of those 5 ingredients. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Jamie’s approach to cooking is all about simplicity without compromising flavor. His 5-ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala is a perfect example of this. You don’t need to go hunting for a list of exotic spices or spend ages making a curry paste. This recipe uses ingredients that are readily available in your local store, but the outcome is rich, creamy, and packed with those familiar spices.
I remember the first time I tried making this recipe: I was skeptical at first. How could such a simple list of ingredients turn into a full-bodied dish? But once I tasted it, I was hooked. There was that unmistakable depth of flavor, and it didn’t take hours to achieve. The sauce was creamy, the chicken was tender, and I couldn’t believe I had cooked it myself.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These 5 ingredients are all you need:
- Chicken breast – Boneless and skinless is the best option for quick cooking. It takes on the flavor of the sauce beautifully.
- Tikka masala paste – The secret to bringing all the right flavors together. It’s a shortcut to complex spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and tang, balancing out the richness of the paste. It also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Tomato puree – A great base for the sauce, giving it depth and sweetness.
- Fresh coriander – For garnish and a pop of color, as well as a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the creaminess.
You might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge. If not, they’re all easy to find in most grocery stores.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala
The process of making this chicken tikka masala is as easy as it gets. Here’s how I usually do it:
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a little oil in a pan, then add the chicken. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add the tikka masala paste and a bit of tomato puree. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to release the flavors.
- Add yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt and let it melt into the sauce.
- Simmer: Add the chicken back into the pan. Let it all simmer together for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh coriander just before serving. I like to serve mine with some rice or naan to soak up all the sauce.
It’s surprisingly simple, but the result is a creamy, spicy, and rich dish that feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the most fascinating parts of this recipe is how well the ingredients work together at a molecular level. Let’s break down the key players:
- Chicken breast: This lean meat is a fantastic canvas for flavor. It has a neutral taste that allows the spices and sauce to shine. The heat from the pan also caramelizes the outside, giving it a lovely texture.
- Tikka masala paste: The paste contains a blend of spices, and each spice plays a role. For example, cumin brings warmth and earthiness, while coriander adds a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor. The heat from chili powder balances out the creaminess of the yogurt.
- Greek yogurt: The acidity in yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and soft. Yogurt also provides that rich texture, especially when blended with the tomato base.
- Tomato puree: The acidity of tomatoes cuts through the richness of the yogurt and balances the spices. The sweetness in the tomato puree also rounds out the flavors and enhances the overall dish.
- Fresh coriander: The fresh leaves contain oils that bring brightness and lift the richness of the dish. They’re also full of antioxidants and have a slightly peppery flavor.
Together, they create a perfect balance of richness, tang, and spice. Every element enhances the others, making the dish more than just the sum of its parts.
Expert Tips
When making this dish, these tips can elevate your cooking game:
- Use full-fat yogurt: For the creamiest texture, stick to full-fat Greek yogurt. Low-fat options can make the sauce too runny.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken: This step adds a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated by just simmering the chicken in the sauce.
- Simmer gently: Once you add the chicken back into the sauce, let it simmer on low. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors without overcooking.
- Customize the heat: If you like your curry spicier, you can add extra chili or fresh green chilies when cooking. Alternatively, tone it down with a little honey to balance the heat.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s 5-ingredient version is fantastic on its own, here are a few variations to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option. Paneer absorbs the flavors beautifully and gives a similar texture.
- Add vegetables: You can easily throw in some vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make it heartier.
- Different proteins: Swap chicken for lamb or shrimp. Both work wonderfully in this sauce, with lamb adding a rich, gamey flavor.
- Use coconut milk: For a dairy-free version, replace the yogurt with coconut milk. This adds a rich, tropical flavor.
Final Words
What makes Jamie’s 5-ingredients Chicken Tikka Masala so appealing is its simplicity and versatility. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about working smarter, not harder. The end result feels luxurious without being overwhelming to make.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guarantees a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress anyone.
FAQs
What Are The 5 Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Tikka Masala?
The 5 ingredients are chicken breasts, tikka paste, canned tomatoes, double cream, and rice.
Can I Make This Recipe Without The Double Cream?
Yes, you can substitute double cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient Chicken Tikka Masala?
It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook the dish.