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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala
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Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender, marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. This beloved recipe offers a perfect balance of bold spices and creamy textures, making it a comforting and exotic meal option suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, and cumin. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-fry the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred at the edges. This locks in the smoky, spice-infused goodness.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a pan, heat oil or ghee and sauté finely chopped onions with garlic and ginger until soft and golden. Add tomato puree, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens into a rich, flavorful base.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces and any juices into the sauce. Mix gently, then stir in heavy cream to create a luscious, velvety texture. Let simmer for a few minutes to blend all flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh burst. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinate Longer: For more flavorful and tender chicken, marinate overnight.
  • Toast Spices: Lightly toasting spices before grinding can enhance aroma.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro improve the taste significantly.
  • Control Creaminess: Adjust cream quantity to your preference for richness.
  • Char the Chicken: Slight charring adds authentic smoky depth to the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian, creamy tomato sauce, marinated chicken, gluten free, spicy, comfort food

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/chicken-tikka-masala/