When it comes to Chicken Chettinad vs Tikka Masala, each of them uses a unique blend of spices and has a distinct flavor. But which one should choose between these two dishes? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Chicken Chettinad?
Chicken Chettinad is a spicy and full of flavors curry from the Chettinad region (South India). It can be served with or without gravy.
Chicken Chettinad has a dark reddish-brownish color. This color comes from the addition of Kashmiri red chili powder and is due to the deep roasting of the spices.
Here is a video showing its method of preparation.
What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken tikka masala is made with tomato-based gravy and heavy cream, which gives it an orange color. It is a healthy dish, whose each bite explodes with the flavor of authentic Indian spices.
Chef Tom Kerridge’s chicken tikka masala has “only 350 calories or 640 calories with rice”.
Not to confuse tikka masala with tikka, check out this article on chicken tikka vs chicken tikka masala.
Chicken Chettinad vs Tikka Masala: What Are The Similarities?
Chicken Chettinad and chicken tikka masala are both Indian curries, made with a tomato-based sauce and the addition of chicken.
Because they hail from different regions of India, each of them uses different ingredients and has a unique taste. But both are full of flavors and hot spices.
The only similarity between chicken tikka and chicken tandoori is that they are made in clay ovens called tandoor. Here is a comparative study of chicken tikka masala vs tandoori chicken to uncover their similarities and differences.
Chicken Chettinad vs Tikka Masala: What Are The Differences?
We will list the differences between chicken Chettinad and tikka masala based on the following aspects:
Origin And History
Chicken Chettinad originates from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu. The residents of Chettinad were called Chettiyars. They were a community of traders, who were mainly in the business of trading whole spices.
The influence of whole spices can be seen heavily in Chettinad cuisine.
There are many theories about the origin of chicken tikka masala. Some have traced its origins to the state of Punjab in India. Some believe it was created by migrant Bangladeshi chefs in Britain in the 1960s. Many people say that it originated in a restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland.
Taste
Chicken Chettinad is a spicy curry due to the addition of black peppercorns and dried red chilies. Kashmiri red chili powder is also added for spiciness and for the fiery red color it imparts to the dish.
If you are making chicken Chettinad at home, you can manage the spice by adding milk to the gravy or by reducing the number of chilies used.
Chicken tikka masala is made in a tomato-based thick, creamy sauce. It is a mildly hot curry. The addition of cream mellows the spice. Its gravy is sweet but savory. And the spices give it an earthy flavor.
Because the chicken is seared before adding gravy to it, the meat has a charred flavor, which goes well with the creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients used in the preparation of chicken Chettinad and chicken tikka masala:
| Chicken Chettinad | Chicken Tikka Masala |
| Curry leaves | Garam masala |
| Coriander seeds | Ground cumin |
| Cumin seeds | Ground coriander seeds |
| Fennel seeds | Red chili powder |
| Poppy seeds | Turmeric powder |
| Cloves | Brown sugar |
| Cinnamon | Heavy cream |
| Black peppercorns | Ginger-garlic paste |
| Grated coconut | Salt to taste |
| Black and green cardamoms | Kasoori methi |
| Turmeric powder | |
| Red chili powder |
As you can see, they both use different spices in their recipe. Some of the base spices are same, but their treatment is different, which has an impact on the taste.
Would you also like to know the similarities and differences between chicken makhani vs chicken tikka masala?
Method of Preparation
Let us take a look at the differences in the method of preparation of chicken Chettinad and tikka masala.
Cooking Chicken Chettinad
- In chicken Chettinad, the chicken is put in a bowl with a marinade of vinegar and salt. Although you can add some spices of your choice to it.
- Whole spices like coriander seeds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, cumin, dry chilies, cinnamon stick, cardamoms, and peppercorns are roasted with chopped onions, grated coconut, and ginger-garlic paste. Let it cool and blend.
- Then, in a pan, take some oil and fry curry leaves in it. Add chopped onions, green chilies, red chili powder, and turmeric. Add chopped tomatoes to it and fry for 5 minutes. Add the blended paste to this mixture and mix well. Then, add a cup of water and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken and stir well. Manage the consistency by adding water. Add salt to taste. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook.
Cooking Chicken Tikka Masala
- In chicken tikka masala, the meat is marinated with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt.
- To make the gravy, take oil in a pan, and add chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger. Add ginger garlic paste and cook until its smell goes away.
- Add the powdered spices of choice, cream, and sugar. Stir in tomato puree or diced tomatoes and blend the mixture.
- Sear the chicken pieces on both sides for 3-4 minutes and add the gravy. Stir in ½ cup yogurt and garnish with coriander leaves.
Here is a video showing Gordon Ramsay’s recipe for a classic Tikka Masala sauce.
There is only a minute difference when it comes to chicken tikka vs chicken tikka masala. Check out this article to know more.
Which One Should You Go For?
It is hard to declare a winner in the battle of chicken Chettinad vs tikka masala. They both are packed with spices and flavors.
The cooking time of chicken tikka masala is less because the chicken can be chargrilled or seared before cooking in the gravy.
In chicken Chettinad, however, chicken pieces are cooked only in the gravy, which is time-consuming.
So, it all comes down to how much time you have. If you have the time to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, give chicken Chettinad a try. If you are in a hurry, then chicken tikka masala is your winner!
