Look no further than Chicken Tikka Masala if you're craving a dish that's rich, creamy, and overflowing with a symphony of spices. Tender chunks of marinated chicken are paired with a lavish spicy tomato sauce in this popular Indian dish. This tikka masala recipe will allow you to create this mouth-watering treat in the comfort of your own home, and it is celebrated all over the world.

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Masala Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Marinate the chicken. In a generous bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, ginger, and garlic. Introduce the chicken pieces, ensuring they're thoroughly coated. Cover and let them luxuriate in the marinade for at least 30 minutes; overnight will infuse even deeper flavors.

Cooking

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. For an added smoky nuance, grill the chicken on skewers.
  2. In a spacious pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until it's golden brown. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
  3. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and envelop the onions.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir meticulously and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, permitting the flavors to meld harmoniously.
  5. For a velvety smooth sauce, employ an immersion blender to purée the mixture carefully.
  6. Introduce the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce adopts a rich orange hue. Add the cooked chicken pieces, ensuring they're thoroughly enveloped in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving

Present your chicken tikka masala hot, ladled over steamed basmati rice or accompanied by warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Savor this exquisite chicken masala dish with your loved ones!

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Nutrition Facts  
one serving  
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 35g

Tips and Variations

  • Adjust the Spice Level: Prefer a milder tikka masala? Reduce the chili powder. Craving extra heat? Add freshly chopped chilies.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the yogurt and cream for coconut milk or other dairy-free alternatives.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or peas into the sauce for added texture and nutritional value.
  • Use Leftovers: This tikka masala recipe often tastes even more sublime the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

Conclusion

Crafting your own chicken tikka masala recipe at home is more straightforward than it appears. With fragrant spices and a creamy tomato sauce, this main dish transports the essence of Indian cuisine straight to your dining table. So, why hesitate? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure with this classic tikka masala!