Chicken Tikka Masala in Chatham, NJ

The world's most famous curry, and the eternal rival to our butter chicken. Chunks of marinated chicken tikka are baked in the oven, then simmered with onions, tomato, and bell peppers in a roasted masala gravy that's tangier and livelier than its creamier cousin.

Where butter chicken soothes, tikka masala wakes the palate up: more spice depth, more texture from the peppers and onions, a brighter tomato tang. It's the pick for diners who've done butter chicken and want the next step. Order it medium the first time — that's how the sauce expresses best — with garlic naan and rice. Can't choose between the two? Read our full breakdown of butter chicken vs. tikka masala, or just order both and settle it at the table.