If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish to spice up your dinner routine, Chicken Tikka Masala is the answer! This popular Indian-inspired dish combines tender, marinated chicken with a savory, spiced tomato cream sauce that will have you coming back for more. The marinade, made with yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and fresh ginger, infuses the chicken with incredible depth of flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s enveloped in a velvety sauce made from butter, onion, garlic, and more aromatic spices that create the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you serve it with basmati rice or naan bread, this Chicken Tikka Masala will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India.
The recipe can be found here.
You want to start by marinating the chicken so it can absorb all the vibrant flavors. Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, salt, ginger, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken and stir until completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
Heat oil in a large skillet or (preferably) Balti dish over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. You might need to cook in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to hold all the chicken without overcrowding the pan. The chicken will not be completely cooked through at this point. It will finish cooking in a later step.
Set the chicken aside and cover with foil to keep warm.
Using the same pan (no need to wipe clean), melt the butter. Once melted, add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stir to combine, and continue to cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Stir to combine and continue to cook for about 30 seconds. 2. Add the tomato sauce, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the heavy cream and stir until incorporated.
Next, add the partially cooked chicken plus any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Stir occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add ¼ cup water to thin it out (optional).
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
When ready to serve, divide the rice between bowls and top with the chicken mixture and some sauce. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with warmed naan bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
The recipe can be found here.
Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine to your home. With its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation. The combination of tangy yogurt marinade and a rich, spiced sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palate. So, gather your ingredients, take a culinary journey, and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal that’s bound to satisfy all your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, Chicken Tikka Masala is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Happy Cooking!
Recent Comments