Review: Chef Bombay Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian cuisine is one of my favorites, not least when it comes to freezer borne meals. Of all the options in the freezer cabinet, I find Indian cuisine is one that can reheat exceptionally well when executed correctly. As such, when this product appeared in the freezer aisle of my local Walmart recently, an immediate review was required. Traditionally, International flavors are sparse at Walmart, so I was doubly intrigued.

The masala sauce here is very good. I’m not sure I’d call it a masala per se, and the consistency is also rather thin – but it’s very enjoyable and richly flavored. The product lists this is medium heat and there’s definitely a fun kick. Those with timid palates might want to skip this one.

This product gets another plus point for the generous serving of decent quality chicken, no gristle or mystery here – just plenty of chicken breast. If I was being ultra picky I might add that the tikka seasoning on the chicken isn’t too impactful – see below for close up.

Curiously the rice was the weakest component here. I found it rather rubbery/plasticky and a bit of a let down. Certainly I’ve found rice in competing brands far more natural and enjoyable. The rice aspect here prevents this product from moving from good to excellent.

Chef Bombay Chicken Tikka Masala – what’s in the box?

You’ll find the following cooking tray inside the main cardboard packaging. Unlike other brands, the rice and chicken curry are compartmentalized separately; this felt like a nice touch so the two components can cook without blending into a mush.

Chef Bombay Chicken Tikka Masala

Here’s the final cooked dish alongside a couple of Sukhi’s Chickpea Samosa, I’ve also included a close up of the chicken so you can see the quality. With the samosa it made for a plenty satisfying dinner.

Chef Bombay Chicken Tikka Masala cooking instructions, nutrition, ingredients

The microwave instructions differ from other brands; mainly by virtue of guiding the diner to cook the meal in one long seven minute process. I found this a little low for my own microwave, and found myself peeling back the film, giving it a stir and cooking for 90 seconds more.

Nutritionally speaking this is a fairly stellar offering for a frozen meal.

How much does Chef Bombay Chicken Tikka Masala cost?

I paid $3.96 for this at Walmart which I think is a great deal. I would buy this all day long under four dollars.

Stuart Melling

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you!  I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC – Utah’s biggest and oldest online food magazine; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune.  I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows.

I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years.   I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand.   I started Shop Smart to catalogue my adventures in the grocery store and kitchen.  Follow along on Instagram too!