20-Minute Chicken Tikka Masala Hack
(The Secret: Heinz Tomato Soup!)

This recipe is a life-hack for a delicious, creamy Chicken Tikka Masala that feeds a family of four in about 20 minutes! We're using the "secret ingredient" allegedly used in the very first Chicken Tikka Masala invented in Glasgow, Scotland—**Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup**—to get that rich, authentic flavor fast.

⭐ Recipe Overview

Prep Time5 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time25 Minutes
Serves3–4 People

🛍 Quick Shopping List

🗃 Detailed Ingredient Quantities

CategoryItemQuantityNotes
The BaseVegetable Oil4 tbsp
Ginger Garlic Paste2 tbsp(Homemade fresh or frozen 50/50 blend works great!)
SpicesGaram Masala1 tsp(Experiment with quantities to replicate your favourite takeaway flavour)
Curry Powder1 tsp(Add all spices together)
Cumin Powder1 tsp
The ChickenDiced Chicken Breast/ThighApprox. 600g–800g
The GravyTinned Chopped Tomatoes1 standard tin (approx. 400g)
Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup1 standard tinThe Secret Ingredient!
Flavour/SeasoningSaltTo tasteStart with just under 1 tsp
Mango ChutneyTo tasteAdjust for sweetness/fruitiness
White Granulated Sugar2 tbsp (or to taste)Added in two stages
Finishing TouchDouble Cream (or Single)1.5–2 tbspDouble cream is less likely to split

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Phase 1: Building the Flavor Base

    1. Heat the Oil: Fire up your cooker and pour the 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a large pan or pot. Warm it through on a medium heat.
    2. Fry the Aromatics: Add the 2 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste to the warm oil. Fry this out until fragrant (a few minutes).
    3. Bloom the Spices: Add the Garam Masala, Curry Powder, and Cumin Powder to the pan. Fry them for a very short time (30 seconds to 1 minute) to take out the bitterness/rawness.
    4. Add the Chicken: Immediately add your diced chicken to the pan. Stir well to ensure the chicken is completely coated in the spices.

  2. Phase 2: Creating the Curry

    1. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes and stir it into the chicken and spice mixture.
    2. Add the Soup: Now, add the entire tin of Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup. The tinned tomatoes and soup together create the volume of gravy needed for a family of four.
    3. Simmer: Give everything a good, thorough stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for **20 minutes**. This ensures the chicken is cooked through.

  3. Phase 3: Finishing and Seasoning

    1. Check Consistency: After 20 minutes, stop the timer and remove the lid. If the sauce is too thin, turn the flame up high and let it reduce for a few extra minutes until it thickens slightly.
    2. Seasoning 1 (Salt & Fruit): Stir in the salt (start with just under 1 teaspoon) and the mango chutney. The chutney adds a traditional, fruity sweetness.
    3. Sweeten (The Blast): Taste the sauce. To get that signature sweet 'tikka masala' blast, add **1 tablespoon of sugar** and stir until dissolved. Taste again, and if needed, add a **second tablespoon of sugar** (2 total) and stir.
    4. Add the Cream: Turn the heat down or off. Add 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of double cream. Stir it in until the sauce has a beautiful, silky, creamy texture and color.

Serve immediately with rice and/or naan bread. Enjoy this delicious Chicken Tikka Masala Hack!