Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that combines marinated chicken with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s a favorite for many, often enjoyed as a comforting takeaway meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, cooking instructions, and tips to create this mouth-watering dish at home. Plus, we’ll provide nutritional information and a calorie count so you can enjoy your meal guilt-free!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (preferably full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• 2 cups tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

For Serving:

• Cooked rice (about 2 cups)
• Naan bread (optional)

Grocery List

To prepare Chicken Tikka Masala, make sure to gather the following items from your grocery store:

Protein:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dairy:

• Plain yogurt
• Heavy cream

Produce:

• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Pantry Items:

• Vegetable oil or ghee
• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• Brown sugar (optional)

Spices:

• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Ground cumin
• Kashmiri chili powder
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
2. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate for 1 hour or overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned on all sides (about 3 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary and pour in the tomato puree. Cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
2. Stir in the heavy cream and brown sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve hot over cooked rice or with naan bread.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Tips & Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Kashmiri chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Assuming this recipe serves 5:

Note: Calorie counts may vary based on specific ingredients used. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this one! With easy-to-follow guides and exclusive content, you’ll be whipping up mouth-watering meals in no time!

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala! ✨