Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. With its rich, creamy, and aromatic tomato-based sauce combined with perfectly spiced and grilled chicken, this dish offers an incredible balance of flavors. It’s a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with rice or naan, making it a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Garam masala
- Chili powder
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Onion, finely chopped
- Tomato puree
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green chilies (optional)
Directions
Marinating the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan or grill over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Add ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric, stirring for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in heavy cream and sugar, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces, mixing well to coat them in the sauce.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free yogurt for marination.
- Spicier Version: Add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies for more heat.
- Healthier Alternative: Use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream to reduce fat content.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight for best results)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain consistency.
- Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish featuring grilled marinated chicken simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Combine and reheat before serving.
What is the best cut of chicken for Tikka Masala?
Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too if marinated properly.
Can I use store-bought Tikka Masala sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce provides a fresher and more authentic taste.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili powder and omit green chilies for a milder version.
What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
Basmati rice, naan, roti, or a simple cucumber salad complement this dish well.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Why is my sauce too thick or thin?
If too thick, add a splash of water or cream. If too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
How do I get the smoky flavor like in restaurants?
Use a grill or a cast-iron pan to cook the chicken for a charred effect. Alternatively, a small piece of charcoal can be placed in the pan with a few drops of oil for a smoky aroma.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time to ensure thorough cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or new to it, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant spices and creamy texture. Try making it at home and enjoy a delicious, homemade version of this restaurant favorite!
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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including minimum marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that has captivated taste buds worldwide. Tender chicken, marinated to perfection, is simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce—a harmonious blend of spices that’ll have your family clamoring for seconds. With a few simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Add the ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat them thoroughly.
- Pour in the heavy cream, mixing well to achieve a rich, creamy consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the curry simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
Notes
- Marination: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Marinating up to 24 hours will yield even more tender and flavorful results.
- Grilling Option: For an authentic smoky flavor, consider grilling the marinated chicken pieces instead of baking them.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preferred level of heat.
- Storage: Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- marination time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: indian
Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Curry, Homemade Tikka Masala, Authentic Indian Recipes, Creamy Chicken Curry
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