Description
Creamy, spice-laden chicken tikka masala offers a delightful journey through Indian culinary traditions. Rich marinated chicken mingles with velvety tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of New Delhi.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 500 grams (17.6 ounces) chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (400 grams / 14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate chicken cubes in a blend of yogurt, spices, ginger, and garlic for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Heat grill or oven to medium-high (180C/350F). Cook chicken until fully done and slightly charred, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- In a large pan, caramelize onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Introduce aromatic spices to the onions, toasting them briefly to release their intense fragrance and enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the spiced onion mixture, simmering and reducing for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Incorporate heavy cream and liquid, adjusting consistency to create a smooth, velvety texture. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
- Gently fold grilled chicken into the creamy sauce, allowing the meat to absorb the complex spice profile for 5-7 minutes.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, serving immediately alongside warm naan or fluffy rice.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that truly elevate the dish’s authenticity.
- Opt for full-fat yogurt to ensure tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder, making the recipe adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
- Consider using Greek yogurt for a tangier marinade and thicker sauce consistency that adds extra depth to the recipe.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg