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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala
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Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy and richly spiced Indian classic featuring tender chunks of marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based curry sauce. This easy-to-make dish offers authentic flavors with a perfect blend of spices and creamy tomato sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for guests, it can be adjusted for mild or spicy tastes and is loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Masala Sauce

  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil)
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
  • 400g tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 150 ml heavy cream or coconut cream
  • Salt, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade: In a bowl, mix plain yogurt, garam masala, garlic and ginger paste, chili powder, salt, and lemon juice. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a pan or grill. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they develop a nice char and are almost cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Make the masala sauce: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onions until golden and soft. Add garlic and ginger paste and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Simmer until oil starts to separate from the masala base.
  4. Combine chicken and sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the pan with the sauce. Pour in the cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to finish cooking.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken longer for more tender and flavorful results.
  • Use fresh spices for bold and authentic flavors.
  • Don’t skip cream; it balances the spices with rich texture.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to develop layers of flavor without burning.
  • Grill the chicken before adding to sauce for a smoky depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian curry, creamy chicken curry, easy Indian recipe, weeknight dinner, garam masala chicken

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/chicken-tikka-masala/