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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

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Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular and flavorful Indian dish where marinated chicken is grilled or baked and then cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s spiced with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance of heat, tanginess, and creaminess. This dish is often served with naan or rice.

 

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

– 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes

– 1/2 cup plain yogurt

– 1 tbsp lemon juice

– 2 tsp ground cumin

– 2 tsp ground coriander

– 1 tsp ground turmeric

– 1 tsp garam masala

– 1/2 tsp chili powder

– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– Salt, to taste

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

– 1 tbsp garam masala

– 1 tsp ground cumin

– 1 tsp ground coriander

– 1/2 tsp chili powder

– 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

– 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

– 1/2 cup heavy cream

– 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

– Salt, to taste

– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and salt. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.

2. Preheat the grill or oven. Grill the marinated chicken at medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.

3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until soft and golden brown.

4. Add the minced garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to release the spices’ flavors.

5. Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, stir to combine, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Stir in the heavy cream and water (or chicken broth) to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Cook for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

 

Notes

– You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili powder to the marinade or sauce.

– If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can cook the chicken in a tandoor or use liquid smoke in the marinade.

– For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a lower-fat alternative.

– You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers or peas to the sauce for added texture and flavor.

 

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