Name: Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Ingredients: For the marinade: 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (Thighs add more richness.); 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon garam masala (a warm spice blend); 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference); Salt to taste; For the sauce: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional); Salt to taste

Description

Chicken Tikka Masala is marinated chicken cooked in a creamy, mildly spiced tomato sauce with aromatic Indian spices. It’s a popular curry dish with a rich orange-red color, typically served with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Creating a perfect Chicken Tikka Masala starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

For the marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (Thighs add more richness.)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (a warm spice blend)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Salt to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- Start by combining yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add the cut chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Prepare for Cooking:
- Heat the oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Add Aromatics:
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.
Incorporate the Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. This just allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the marinated chicken to the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Finish with Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk to create a luscious, rich texture. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Garnish:
- Once complete, remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Your Chicken Tikka Masala is now ready to serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g