Review: Saffron Road - Chicken Tikka Masala

Saffron Road's Chicken Tikka Masala features "roasted white meat chicken simmered with Tandoori spices in a robust, creamy tomato sauce" served with Basmati rice.

A 10-oz box cost me $2.99 on sale (normally $5.49).

Saffron Road's take on chicken tikka masala is very tomato-y with a substantial tanginess that isn't quite balanced out by a mild creaminess. It's probably the most tomato-forward chicken tikka masala I've eaten. Beyond the tomato, the sauce offered a definite note of curry spices as well as a moderate amount of heat.

The chicken was tender and moist but oddly shaped and looked craggy at the surface. Fortunately, the strange appearance didn't affect the actual texture of the chicken.

The Basmati rice appeared to be parboiled (which seems to be typical of the rice in most frozen meals I've tried), which resulted in slightly firm grains that were also a little wet (but not soggy). It lacked the flavor and aroma that is typical of Basmati and was fairly plain as a result.

When it comes down to it, Saffron Road's Chicken Tikka Masala was enjoyable enough but more tomato-heavy than I like the dish. I liked the spice and heat but the rice was disappointing.

Nutritional Info - Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala (283g)
Calories - 300 (from Fat - 80)
Fat - 9g (Saturated Fat - 2g)
Sodium - 690mg
Carbs - 39g (Sugar - 5g)
Protein - 17g