Chicken Tikka Masala
A flavorful and creamy Indian dish made with marinated chicken and a blend of aromatic spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt Greek yogurt can be used for added creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust to taste.
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste Salt
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Add the chicken cubes and let them soak up the flavors for at least one hour or even overnight for best results.
Cooking
- Once marinated, heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Now add the heavy cream and salt, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish your masterpiece with fresh cilantro and serve it hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or water if needed. This dish can be frozen, just ensure it is cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.