Chicken Tikka Masala
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Marinating Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
4 Servings
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Calories
441 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Chicken Tikka Masala
Description
This recipe begins by marinating bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a combination of ground spices: cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, salt, and ground ginger. The marination, lasting at least one hour, tenderizes and infuses the chicken with complex flavors.
The chicken is cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and lightly browned. Separately, a sauce is prepared by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic and jalapeño, then adding toasted ground spices including cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Tomato sauce and salt are stirred in and allowed to meld flavors before finishing with heavy cream, creating a smooth, rich sauce that coats the chicken.
Served garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, this dish balances creamy textures with warm spices and a gentle heat from the jalapeño and cayenne. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender, and the sauce's creaminess tempers the spices, making it suitable for a range of spice preferences.
Adjust the cayenne pepper and jalapeño quantity to modify spiciness. Marinating between 1 and 24 hours enhances flavor while preventing toughness. Avoid extending marination beyond 24 hours due to acidic lemon juice affecting meat texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes, boneless skinless
- 1 cup yogurt plain, Greek
- 1/4 cup lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 (15 ounce can) tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
To Serve
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Cut 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup plain greek yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger. Stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place it in the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Discard the excess marinade. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Wipe the skillet clean, then melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 jalapeno (minced), cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, and 1 teaspoon garam masala, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add 1 (15 ounce can) tomato sauce and 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
- Serve hot over rice and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper and jalapeño amounts to control spice level to taste.
- Marinate the chicken between 1 hour and up to 24 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Do not marinate beyond 24 hours to avoid over-tenderizing from lemon juice acidity.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 441 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 441kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 163mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 1667mg | 69% |
| Potassium | 1005mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2240IU | 45% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 143mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3.1mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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