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Indian

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that perfectly balances spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, making it a favorite across the globe. Its tender chunks of marinated chicken are grilled to perfection and then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, offering a comforting and flavorful experience. This dish is ideal for family dinners, special gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of authentic Indian cuisine.

Originating from India and popularized by British culinary influences, Chicken Tikka Masala has an intriguing history. It's believed to have been created by Indian chefs in the UK, who combined roasted chicken (tikka) with a luscious, spiced sauce to suit local tastes. Today, it’s celebrated worldwide as a symbol of Indo-British cuisine and a must-try for spice lovers seeking a hearty, flavorful meal.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 30 minTotal time: 45 minCalories: 430 kcal

Chicken tikka masala.jpg by Samsara is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Marinate the chicken with this mixture for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for more flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill or broiler. Thread the chicken onto skewers or place on a baking sheet and grill for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and golden, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  7. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce. Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream or coconut milk, stirring well to combine.
  8. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is thickened and the chicken is fully coated in the rich sauce.
  9. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
  10. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.