Chicken Tikka Masala
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Marinating time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 45 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
264 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Indian
Chicken Tikka Masala
Description
In Chicken Tikka Masala, boneless chicken breast pieces are marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, garam masala, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and salt to tenderize and infuse flavor. After at least one hour, the chicken is threaded onto skewers and grilled over high heat until cooked through, developing a slight char.
The sauce is prepared by sautéing garlic in butter, then adding spices like cumin, paprika, optional garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Tomato sauce and heavy cream are stirred in and simmered until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld. The grilled chicken is added to this sauce for a final simmer, allowing the smoky chicken to soak up the creamy, spiced sauce.
Fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness at serving. This dish is traditionally accompanied by naan, cooked rice, and a cooling cucumber yogurt side, offering a balanced meal with spicy, creamy, and refreshing elements.
Onion can be included by sautéing it with garlic for additional flavor. For a quicker version, an Instant Pot recipe is suggested. Substituting coconut milk for cream gives a more authentic taste.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon ginger fresh, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, boneless skinless
- 5 wooden skewers
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon cumin ground
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
Optional Sides:
- 6 pieces naan bread
- 3 cups rice cooked
- 1 cup cucumber yogurt (see recipe HERE)
Instructions
For the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, garam masala, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and salt. Stir in chicken, cover, refrigerate 1 hour.
- Preheat a grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.
- Grill chicken skewers 5 minutes on each side.
For the Sauce
- Melt butter in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Saute garlic for 1 minute.
- Season with cumin, paprika, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on medium low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
- Add grilled chicken to the sauce, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with rice, naan bread, and cucumber yogurt.
Notes
- Adding diced yellow onion sautéed with garlic enhances flavor though it's optional.
- For faster preparation, try the Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala variation.
- Replacing heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk provides a more traditional flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 101mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 1093mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 469mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1335IU | 27% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 101mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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