Are you ready to savor a dish that’s beloved worldwide for its rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors? I’ve got just the recipe for you: Chicken Tikka Masala. This classic Indian dish features tender chunks of chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, then cooked in a luscious tomato-cream sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress anyone who tastes it.
What I love about Chicken Tikka Masala is its blend of spices that create a depth of flavor, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, bringing restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen.
So, let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- Salt to taste
The Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- 1 can 14 oz tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, minced garlic, minced ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the spices' flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference.
- Use full-fat yogurt for a richer marinade.
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Wrapping Up:
There you have it, my friends – Chicken Tikka Masala, a rich and flavorful classic that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I did. It’s a wonderful way to experience the bold and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine right at home. If you have any questions or need adjustments for dietary needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from you all and helping you create delicious memories in your kitchen.
Enjoy the sumptuous taste of Chicken Tikka Masala and make your dinner extra special with this fantastic recipe!
