Tikka Chicken and Lentil Curry is a delicious and comforting meal made with tender chicken, soft lentils, and a flavorful blend of aromatic spices. The chicken is coated in rich tikka seasonings, while the lentils add a hearty texture and help thicken the curry sauce. The combination of warm spices, juicy chicken, and creamy lentils creates a satisfying dish packed with flavor.
This easy homemade curry is perfect for family lunches, weeknight dinners, or special gatherings. It uses simple ingredients and brings together rich, savory flavors in one pot. Serve it hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or warm flatbread for a filling and enjoyable meal.
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients that will be needed to make Tikka Chicken and Lentil Curry at home:
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Breast
- Brown Lentils
- Ground Black Pepper
- Ground White Pepper
- Tikka Masala Curry Paste
- Red Onion
- Ginger
- Garlic Cloves
- Tomatoes
- Milk
Quantity Of The Ingredients
Here is the amount of the ingredients that are mentioned above:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 500g Chicken Breast (minced)
- 500g Brown Lentils
- 1/2 tbsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tbsp Ground White Pepper
- ¼ cup Tikka Masala Curry Paste
- 1 Red Onion (sliced)
- Ginger (about 4 cm long, grated)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (peeled and chopped)
- 400g Tomatoes (chopped)
- 100ml Milk
Remember that 500g of dried lentils will expand considerably during cooking. It will produce a large quantity of curry, so use a sufficiently large cooking pot.
Making Of Tikka Chicken and Lentil Curry
Here is the step by step procedure to make this meal:
1. Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly. If using dried lentils, boil them in water for 25–35 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
3. Add the grated ginger and chopped garlic. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the minced chicken breast and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking it into small pieces.
5. Stir in the tikka masala curry paste, ground black pepper, and ground white pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and form a thick sauce.
7. Add the cooked lentils and milk. Mix gently and simmer over low heat for 5–8 minutes until the curry thickens. Add a little water if needed.
8. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked, reaching 165°F (74°C). Remove from the heat and serve the curry hot with basmati rice, naan, warm flatbread or as you like.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tikka Chicken & Lentil Curry is a wonderful way to turn everyday ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal. Unlike traditional chicken curries, this recipe combines minced chicken with brown lentils, creating a thick, comforting texture that pairs beautifully with rice or naan. The tikka masala paste brings a bold, spicy flavor, while the tomatoes and milk help balance the richness of the dish.
Storage
Allow the Tikka Chicken & Lentil Curry to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. For longer storage, freeze the curry in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place the curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. Add a little water or milk if the sauce becomes too thick. You can also microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Make sure the curry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Tips For Making The Perfect Tikka Chicken & Lentil Curry
- Use Fresh Chicken: Choose fresh minced chicken breast for a tender texture and better flavor.
- Cook the Lentils Properly: Boil the brown lentils until tender, but avoid overcooking them so they maintain their shape.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Start with a small amount of black and white pepper, then add more according to your taste.
- Cook the Curry Paste: Let the tikka masala paste cook for 1–2 minutes to bring out its rich flavor.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and chopped garlic add a wonderful aroma and depth to the curry.
- Control the Thickness: Add a little water if the curry becomes too thick during cooking.
- Simmer on Low Heat: After adding the milk, cook gently to keep the sauce smooth and prevent curdling.
- Let the Flavors Settle: Allow the curry to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors blend together.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
This includes rinsing the lentils, slicing the red onion, grating the ginger, chopping the garlic and tomatoes, and preparing the remaining ingredients.
Cook Time: 60–70 Minutes
This includes boiling the dried brown lentils for 25–35 minutes and cooking the minced chicken, vegetables, spices, and curry sauce for approximately 30–35 minutes.
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes to 1 Hour 25 Minutes
The estimated total time includes preparing the ingredients, cooking the lentils, and simmering the curry until everything is tender and flavorful.
Servings: 8 People
This Tikka Chicken & Lentil Curry recipe makes approximately 8 servings, making it a great choice for family lunches, dinners, or meal preparation.
Conclusion
Tikka Chicken & Lentil Curry is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender minced chicken, nutritious lentils, and aromatic spices in a rich curry sauce. Its comforting taste and satisfying texture make it a wonderful choice for family lunches, weeknight dinners, or special gatherings.
With simple ingredients and easy cooking steps, you can prepare this delicious curry at home. Serve it warm with basmati rice, naan, or fresh flatbread for a filling and enjoyable meal.
Disclaimer
This Tikka Chicken & Lentil Curry recipe is provided for general cooking and informational purposes only. Cooking times and results may vary depending on the ingredients, equipment, and preparation methods used. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the lentils are properly prepared before serving. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, check all ingredients carefully and make suitable adjustments before preparing this recipe.