Chicken Tikka Masala

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of Chicken Tikka Masala, especially on a rainy day. I remember the first time I tried this delightful dish at a local Indian restaurant; the aroma of the spices wafted through the air and danced around my senses, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. The vibrant colors of the sauce and the tender pieces of chicken made my mouth water, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over the years, I’ve refined my recipe, adding my own little twists while staying true to the traditional flavors. The creamy, spiced sauce enveloping the chicken is truly irresistible. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, where friends and family gather to savor every bite.

Ingredient List for Chicken Tikka Masala

The ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala meld beautifully to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that authentic taste. The key players here are the spices, which are essential to mastering this dish. They work together to create a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed – The star protein of the dish, these pieces should be tender and juicy after cooking.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the chicken and spices.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a subtle heat that complements the other spices.
• ½ teaspoon curry powder – Gives the dish its distinctive flavor; a must-have in Indian cuisine.
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala – A blend of spices that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
• 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional, to taste) – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Used for cooking the chicken; helps achieve a nice sear.
• 1 sweet yellow onion, finely diced – Provides a sweet base flavor for the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant note that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Richness that adds depth to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Contributes to the cooking fat and flavor.
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin – Imparts a warm, earthy flavor characteristic of Indian dishes.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – To ensure all flavors are well-seasoned.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a fresh zing to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Introduces a warm sweetness to balance the spices.
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric – Gives a beautiful golden color and health benefits.
• ⅛-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste) – For those who like it spicy!
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala – Another layer of flavor to deepen the taste.
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika – Adds color and a mild flavor.
• 15 ounces tomato sauce (1 can) – Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and acidity.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut cream – Ensures the sauce is creamy and luxurious.
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) – Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh touch.

Directions for Chicken Tikka Masala

Making Chicken Tikka Masala is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Follow these steps to create a rich and flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, curry powder, Garam Masala, and sugar. Place it in a bowl or Ziplock bag to marinate. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all those lovely flavors.
2. Pour the yogurt over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Set aside until you’re ready to cook. If you’re planning to let it rest for more than 10 minutes, refrigerate it to keep it fresh.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken to the hot oil. Sauté until it’s lightly seared, but still slightly pink in the center. This keeps the chicken juicy while it cooks.
4. Turn off the heat when the chicken is still a soft pink inside. This step is crucial as the chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.
5. In a separate large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the next ingredients.
6. Add the diced onions to the hot oil and cook them until they are translucent. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
7. Next, add the cumin, salt, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, Garam Masala, and paprika. Stir and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This develops the flavors beautifully.
8. Pour in the tomato sauce and reduce heat to low. Let the sauce thicken for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will concentrate the flavors.
9. Add the cream and sugar, bringing the sauce to a gentle low boil. Then, carefully add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
10. Keep the heat on low and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 15 to 30 minutes more. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Garnish with cilantro and serve with basmati or jasmine rice and warm naan bread. Enjoy every bite of this delicious Chicken Tikka Masala!

Making Adjustments

Cooking is all about personal touches and adjustments. Here are some tips to help you customize your Chicken Tikka Masala experience.

• Storage: Allow the Chicken Tikka Masala to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice, fluffy naan, or even a side salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version that still delivers on flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper or adding fresh green chilies for an extra kick.

What Goes Well With This Chicken Tikka Masala

Pairing your Chicken Tikka Masala with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions:

• Basmati Rice: The fluffy texture of basmati rice complements the rich sauce perfectly and soaks up every bit of flavor.
• Warm Naan: Soft, warm naan is perfect for scooping up the Chicken Tikka Masala and makes for an enjoyable eating experience.
• Cucumber Raita: A cool cucumber raita helps balance the spice and adds a refreshing touch to the meal.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad dressed in lemon juice can cut through the richness of the dish.
• Special Occasions: This dish is excellent for gatherings, celebrations, or cozy family dinners, making it versatile for any occasion.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is truly a standout dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. It’s an experience that engages all the senses, making it a favorite among many. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. You’ll create not only a delicious meal but also lovely memories with family and friends. Enjoy every moment of this culinary journey!

Chicken Tikka Masala

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy and flavorful dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. With luscious chicken coated in a fragrant sauce, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Cook it tonight for an unforgettable meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 652

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
• 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar optional, to taste
• ¼ 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
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ⅛-¼ 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

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, curry powder, Garam Masala, and sugar. Place it in a bowl or Ziplock bag.
2. Pour the yogurt over the chicken making sure to cover each piece. Set the chicken aside until ready to cook.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken.
4. Cook until the chicken is lightly seared and not quite cooked through – still a soft pink in the center. Stir often. Turn off the heat when the chicken is still slightly pink inside.
5. Heat the butter and olive oil in a different large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the diced onions.
6. Cook until translucent then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
7. Add the cumin, salt, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, Garam Masala, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
8. Add the tomato sauce, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes, stirring often.
9. Add the cream and sugar and bring the sauce to a low boil. Add the cooked chicken.
10. Keep the heat on low and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, about 15-30 minutes more.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken: This can save a little bit of time when making this recipe.
• Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in yogurt ahead of time. It can sit in the refrigerator overnight for up to 24 hours.
• Par-cook the chicken: The chicken should just be par-cooked initially and will be fully cooked later on with the sauce.
• Check doneness: The dish is finished when the sauce is thickened and the chicken reaches 165°F.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.