Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Indian Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, a delicious chicken curry that is super easy to make, yet aromatic and so comforting. This homemade version easily beats any take-away. A delicious family dinner that is ready in about 20 minutes.

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (1)

To say that British people like curry is definitely an understatement. They absolutely love it; to such extent, that curry has been adopted as a national dish. That makes it a favourite when it comes to having a take-away too.

My personal favourite is chicken curry, but l wouldn't say no to a simple beef curry, fish curry or vegetable coconut and chickpea curry either. As l might have mentioned before, lamb is not quite my thing, so l would just politely say no to it. But anything else, yes, please, one big portion for me.

It was actually in London where l first tried curry, and, although my first impression was, nope, that's not for me, l got to appreciate a good curry. I guess the strong spices can be a bit overwhelming for someone used to kind of plain food.

Now I do appreciate these fantastic Indian spices, although I don't go crazy about too much heat. My curries tend to be mild, in this way the whole family gets to enjoy them too. But, of course, these homemade curries recipes can be tweaked to one's liking, and more heat can be added to them.

We've all been guilty of throwing away leftovers at some point, so how about we get to transform this leftover roast chicken into a fabulous leftover chicken tikka masala that will have you lick your fingers clean?

Jump to:
  • Step-by-step photos and instructions
  • Can I swap leftover chicken for other leftover meat?
  • Can I freeze the leftover chicken tikka masala?
  • Other chicken curry recipes
  • Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala
Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (2)

Step-by-step photos and instructions

My chicken tikka masala is by no means an authentic Indian recipe, but it tastes like the real deal, and l'm quite proud of it. It is pretty mild, but the spices used plus the ginger give this dish that particularly fragrant taste one expects from a good curry.

And if a chicken tikka masala cooked from scratch is easy to make, this leftover chicken tikka masala is even easier, and quicker to make too. Let's see how it's made:

  • in a pan, fry the onions gently until lightly brown
  • add the garlic, ginger and red chilli, and cook for a further 30 seconds or so until fragrant
  • add the spices, and give it a good stir, so that the full flavours can be released
  • in go the chopped tomatoes and water, and leave to cook for about 10 minutes or until the water is reduced and you get a thicker sauce
  • add the Greek yogurt and tomato puree, and give it a good stir

Make sure the yogurt is at room temperature, otherwise it will curdle when added to the hot curry. Alternatively, add a few tablespoons of the hot sauce to it, mixing well after each addition, then add it to the pan.

  • throw in the leftover chicken pieces, leave to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat
  • garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro) or parsley
Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (3)

Can I swap leftover chicken for other leftover meat?

Absolutely, any kind of meat goes: leftover turkey, beef, lamb, pork, or a combination of any of it. As long as the meat is already cooked, the cooking time for this curry does not change at all.

Can I freeze the leftover chicken tikka masala?

Yes, curries make a perfect dish to be frozen and enjoyed at any other time. Just make sure you add it to a tupperware with a good air-tight lid, and it's ready to go in the freezer.

I don't usually freeze rice, since it's so easy to make it fresh before every meal, in this tutorial I show you how to make basmati rice at home easily. It's the best basmati you can get, and it's done on the stove top.

Other chicken curry recipes

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Style)

Indian Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk

Chicken Dhanzak

Chicken Rogan Josh

Chicken Balti

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (4)

If you’ve liked my INDIAN LEFTOVER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA RECIPE or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK, andPINTERESTto see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (5)

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, a delicious chicken curry that is super easy to make, yet aromatic and so comforting. This homemade version easily beats any take-away. A delicious family dinner that is ready in about 20 minutes.

3.28 from 22 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 426kcal

Author: Daniela Apostol

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover roast chicken
  • 2 onions
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 large tomatoes
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 cm fresh ginger root
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoon tomato purée
  • 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh coriander or parsley
  • ½ red chilli

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Peel and cut the onions, garlic cloves and ginger.

  • Heat up the oil in a pan and fry the onions on a medium heat until golden.

  • Add the garlic, chilli and ginger and stir for 10-15 seconds.

  • Chop the tomatoes and add them to a pan, then mix well and cook until the tomatoes are mushy.

  • Next, add the spices and fry for a few seconds to release their full flavour, then pour in the and water and leave to cook until the water has been absorbed and the sauce begins to thicken.

  • Add the sugar, tomato purée, yogurt and check if it needs any salt or pepper.

  • Add the cooked chicken, give it a good stir, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

  • Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley.

  • Remove from the heat and serve hot with basmati rice, naan or pitta bread.

Notes

  • The servings can be adjusted by clicking the number next to Servings.
  • See the post for more tips on how to make the best leftover chicken tikka masala

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 1244mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 2295IU | Vitamin C: 61.5mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3.7mg

Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @GorgeousRecipes or tag #gorgeousrecipes!

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to use leftover tikka masala sauce? ›

chicken tikka masala nachos are a delicious way to use up leftover chicken tikka masala! all you need is chips, cheese, scallions, cilantro, and tikka masala. gluten free, easy, and fast. give your leftovers some new life!

How long is leftover chicken tikka masala good? ›

Leftover chicken tikka masala will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container.To reheat, just put it in the microwave for about 4 minutes on medium high heat.

What to add to shop bought tikka masala? ›

Add more spices: Store-bought curry sauces often lack the depth of flavour that homemade sauces have. To remedy this, you can add more spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add a lot of flavour to curries.

How long does tikka masala sauce last in the fridge? ›

Homemade tikka masala sauce is best stored in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. If you are not planning on using the sauce within that timeframe, simply freeze the entire recipe or in individual portions.

What to eat with tikka masala sauce? ›

Let's jump right in.
  1. Pulao Rice. Rice is generally considered the best side for dishes like tikka masala. ...
  2. Garlic Naan. ...
  3. Roasted Cauliflower. ...
  4. Cucumber Mint Salad. ...
  5. Cachumber (Kachumbar) salad. ...
  6. Baingan ka bharta (Roasted Eggplant Mash) ...
  7. Pooris. ...
  8. Dal Tadka (spicy and tempered lentil gravy)
Sep 26, 2022

Can I reuse leftover sauce? ›

Sometimes they can be reused as is or with the addition of fresh herbs or an acidic element such as chopped cornichons. Sauces or gravies can be used to enrich other sauces as well, so long as the old dish and the new are not dissonant.

Can you freeze leftover tikka masala? ›

We love this recipe so much we typically make a double portion so we can fill up our freezer stash. We batch cook and freeze our chicken tikka masala in our 1cup and 2cup portions: 1-cup tray: perfect for an individual portion of CTM, you can add the rice or naan fresh.

Can you freeze leftover chicken tikka masala? ›

The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, stored in the fridge. Cook the chicken and warm the sauce the day of serving. To Freeze: Freeze Chicken Tikka Masala in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm on the stove.

Can you freeze and reheat chicken tikka masala? ›

This takeaway favourite is freezer-friendly and quick to reheat, giving you the chance to get ahead and save money.

What pairs well with chicken tikka masala? ›

Chicken tikka masala pairs well with various side dishes such as:
  • **Basmati Rice:** A classic choice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • **Naan or Roti:** Indian flatbreads complement the dish perfectly.
  • **Cucumber Raita:** A cooling yogurt-based side to balance the spices.
Nov 14, 2016

What makes tikka masala taste good? ›

Heavy cream: This makes for a silky-smooth Tikka Masala Sauce and balances the tomatoes. If you want to keep things healthier, use an equal amount of evaporated milk instead. Aromatics: Onions, garlic and ginger are the building blocks of the sauce. Use yellow onion for the most flavor.

What is the main flavor in tikka masala? ›

These smoky and aromatic tender chunks are simmered in a creamy, delicious and flavoursome onion tomato masala, known as Tikka Masala. The finished dish has a super addictive smoky flavour, tastes creamy and supremely delicious!!!

Is it safe to reheat chicken tikka masala? ›

Once defrosted, reheat, and consume within 48 hours. To reheat, empty into a saucepan and place over a gentle heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot, alternatively you can empty into a microwave-safe container and heat for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until piping hot.

Why is my tikka masala bitter? ›

Your curry can taste bitter if the spices and garlic are burnt or if you've added too much fenugreek to the dish. You see, the secret to cooking a delicious curry recipe is to create a spicy paste and slowly cook it before adding your meat.

Can I freeze jarred tikka masala sauce? ›

Transfer the chicken masala to an airtight container. Label the container with the date and contents. Store the chicken masala in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How long does opened tikka masala sauce last? ›

Storage Instructions

Store in a cool dry place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 days. Step 1: Fry 2lb diced chicken breasts in a little oil until browned. Step 2: Add the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

How long is tikka masala sauce good after opening? ›

After thawing, store refrigerated for up to 5 days. After opening and handling under hygienic conditions, store refrigerated in a clean, closed container for up to 48 hours.

Can you reheat tikka masala sauce? ›

To reheat, empty into a saucepan and place over a gentle heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot, alternatively you can empty into a microwave-safe container and heat for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Sprinkle with some fresh coriander before serving. Serve with basmati rice.

How long can you keep masala sauce in the fridge? ›

Store the paste in a jar in the fridge for about a week or store in the freezer for, well, for probably forever. This sauce is great for making homemade chicken tikka masala, but it also goes with just about anything ever – kind of like a curry.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5415

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.