Chicken Tikka Masala
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
308 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Chicken Tikka Masala
Description
Chicken Tikka Masala begins with chicken thigh pieces marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and various spices including garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. After marinating, the chicken is browned in oil to develop a golden exterior.
The sauce is prepared by sautéing diced onions in butter, then adding tomato paste, fresh ginger, garlic, and a blend of warm spices such as garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Canned diced tomatoes and chicken broth are added and simmered until the sauce thickens. Cream and lemon juice are stirred in at the end for richness and brightness. The browned chicken is combined with the sauce, resulting in tender pieces experienced in a smooth, spiced cream sauce.
This dish pairs well with naan bread or basmati rice to balance the robust flavors and provide a satisfying meal. The sauce’s spices offer warmth without overwhelming heat.
Garam masala used here can be found in most grocery stores. The prepared Chicken Tikka Masala will keep covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it convenient for leftovers.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1/2 cup yogurt whole milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 teaspoons ginger freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thigh cut into 1-inch chunks, boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons canola oil or grapeseed oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ginger freshly grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric ground
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 diced tomatoes 28 oz can or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1/4 cup cilantro optional, fresh, chopped leaves
- basmati rice for serving, optional
- naan bread for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam marsala, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and stir until the chicken is well coated. Let the chicken marinate in the yogurt sauce for at least 30 minutes. You can refrigerate the chicken overnight.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the onion and cook until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper and cook until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes
- Stir in the cream and lemon juice. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with rice and naan, if desired.
Notes
- Garam masala, an essential spice blend in this recipe, is typically available in the spice aisle of grocery stores.
- Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- The finished dish keeps refrigerated, covered, for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 308 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6g | |
| Calories | 308kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 138mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 798mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 597mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 910IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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