Description
This Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken chunks marinated in a blend of spices, then cooked in a creamy, aromatic tomato sauce. A favorite of Indian cuisine, this dish is packed with bold flavors and can be served with rice or naan for a comforting meal. Perfect for those who enjoy flavorful, spicy dishes that are easy to make at home!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, salt, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or ghee in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil or ghee.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, until soft and golden.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce:
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish the chicken tikka masala with chopped fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice or with naan bread. Enjoy your flavorful, creamy dish!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more chili powder or fresh chopped green chilies to the marinade or sauce.
- You can make this dish in advance, and the flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt and use coconut milk instead of cream.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course