Chicken Tikka Masala

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byterecipes
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Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish with roots in Indian cuisine, popularized in restaurants globally. It features marinated pieces of chicken that are grilled and then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is seasoned with various spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both spicy and slightly sweet. The dish is commonly served with rice or naan bread and garnished with fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 fresh green chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Sugar to taste (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Appliances and Special Utensils Needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, red chili powder, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

  1. Preheat your grill or broiler to a high setting.
  2. Place the marinated chicken pieces on skewers (if using a grill) or on a foil-lined tray (if using a broiler).
  3. Grill or broil the chicken until it’s charred and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using), and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the turmeric, garam masala, and coriander, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and let cook for 10 minutes. If desired, blend the sauce using a food processor or blender for a smoother texture.
  6. Stir in the cream and add cooked chicken pieces. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Season with salt and sugar (if using).

Step 4: Serve

  1. Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with chopped fresh cilantro.
  2. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or both.

Enjoy your delicious creation of Chicken Tikka Masala, a perfect blend of spices and creamy texture that is sure to be a hit!