Similar to Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala is a classic, Indian comfort dish. The chicken is cut into cubes, roasted, and served in a tomato-based curry with cream, garam masala, onion, garlic, and coriander, although the exact spices may vary from region to region. The rich, velvety sauce is slightly spicy, the chicken is juicy and herby, and the tandoor, the clay oven in which it is cooked, gives the dish a distinct, earthy flavor.
As with other Indian dishes, when pairing wine you want to focus more on the curry than the protein, as the curry is usually the star of the show. This can be challenging due to the complex nature of Indian sauces and curries, but we have some suggestions to help guide you.
Best Red Wine to Pair with Chicken Tikka Masala
The tomato base and cream of this curry create an easier pairing with red wine. Just be sure that you are choosing medium-bodied red that is lighter on the tannins. This is especially true if your tikka masala is on the spicier side.
- Cabernet Franc; medium body with tart fruit flavors, similar to Pinot Noir.
- Lambrusco; a slight bubbliness with strong berry notes.
- Beaujolais; also known as Gamay, light, low tannins.
- Sangiovese; savory, cherry flavor with notes of tomato.
Best White Wine to Pair with Chicken Tikka Masala
If you are looking to cut through the richness of the cream and cool your palate from a spicy tikka masala, a crisp white with high acidity or a bubbly rose will complement your meal nicely.
- Riesling; Lightly sweet, crisp and refreshingly acidic.
- Pinot Blanc; very light, and floral with notes of citrus and peach.
- Gewürztraminer; rich bouquet of exotic fruits, spices and rose tones.
- Sparkling Rosé; bubbly with bright acidity and a strong berry flavor.
Pairing Wine With Butter Chicken
Pairing Wine With Chicken Tikka Masala
Pairing Wine With Chicken Biryani
Pairing Wine With Tandoori Chicken
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