Name: Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon Garam Masala; 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional, to taste); ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 piece sweet yellow onion (finely diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste); 1 teaspoon Garam Masala; 2 teaspoons ground paprika; 15 ounces tomato sauce ((1 can)); 1 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut cream; 4 teaspoons granulated sugar; Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Indulging in a plate of Chicken Tikka Masala is like taking a culinary trip to the vibrant streets of India, where the aromas of spices fill the air and the flavors dance on your palate. This dish has become a global favorite for good reason—it’s creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting. The tender chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, is cooked to perfection and enveloped in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

What Sets This Recipe Apart

What makes this Chicken Tikka Masala stand out from the rest? It’s all about the balance of spices and the method of cooking. The marinated chicken is grilled or seared, giving it a smoky flavor that elevates the dish. The creamy sauce, enriched with various spices, creates a symphony of flavors that’s both complex and satisfying. Plus, this recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients at a Glance

To make this mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala, gather the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional, to taste)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 sweet yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
2 teaspoons ground paprika
15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
1 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut cream
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Gear Checklist

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen essentials:

Large mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for cooking the sauce
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through
Chopping board and knife for prepping ingredients

The Method for Chicken Tikka Masala

Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious Chicken Tikka Masala.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, curry powder, Garam Masala, and granulated sugar (if using). Add the plain Greek yogurt and mix until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces, shaking off any excess yogurt. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Chicken

Stir in the heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream) and the additional Garam Masala and paprika. Return the seared chicken to the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of fluffy rice or with warm naan. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor!

Make It Year-Round

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Here are a few ideas to keep it fresh:

Pair it with seasonal vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Serve it with different types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine, depending on what you have on hand.
Switch up the protein by using shrimp or paneer for a delightful twist.
Adjust the spice level according to your preference—feel free to add more or less cayenne pepper!

If You’re Curious

Curious about the origins of Chicken Tikka Masala? Here are some interesting tidbits:

The dish is believed to have been created by South Asian immigrants in the UK, and it has since become a staple in British cuisine.
It is often served with naan bread or rice, making it a filling meal perfect for any occasion.
The marination process is key to achieving tender and flavorful chicken, so don’t skip it!
This dish is a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to the wonderful world of Indian cuisine.

Best Ways to Store

If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this crowd-pleaser), here are the best storage tips:

Allow the Chicken Tikka Masala to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much.

Helpful Q&A

Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Prepare it a day ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?

This dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use non-dairy yogurt for the marinade.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor and adjust as necessary.

Bring It to the Table

Gather your loved ones and serve up a steaming pot of Chicken Tikka Masala. The warmth and richness of this dish will create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and laughter around the dinner table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to steal the show. Enjoy the rich flavors, the creamy sauce, and the tender chicken, and don’t forget to mop up every last drop with naan!

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