Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chunks of marinated chicken cooked in a creamy, aromatic tomato-based sauce. Balancing heat and creaminess perfectly, it is an indulgent and comforting meal enjoyed worldwide, ideal with naan, basmati rice, or on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 150g plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 400g canned or fresh tomatoes, pureed
- 150 ml heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 tsp red chili powder or paprika
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (coriander leaves), chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to coat and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and mostly cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté chopped onions until golden brown. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and simmer the sauce until it thickens and the oil begins to separate, about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk and simmer gently for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze lemon juice if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your preferred side.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Marinate the chicken overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Sear the chicken over high heat briefly to add a smoky char before adding it to the sauce.
- Don’t skip the cream; it balances the spices and creates a smooth, rich texture.
- Toast the spices carefully in the pan until fragrant to unlock their full flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian/British-Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg