Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala consists of tender, marinated chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce. This globally beloved dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, charred flavor and velvety, aromatic comfort.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 22 minutes
- Total time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Whisk yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and half the spices in a bowl; add chicken and marinate for 1 hour.
- Sear the chicken in a hot pan until charred and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent.
- Add remaining spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice or naan.
Tips
- Marinating the chicken for longer than an hour will yield even more tender results.
- Use Kashmiri chili powder if you want a vibrant red color without excessive heat.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer before adding the cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt and the heavy cream with coconut milk.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level depends on your chili powder; you can adjust it to be mild or spicy as you prefer.
How long can I store this in the fridge?
It will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and often tastes better the next day.