Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is classic Indian recipe that features tender chicken pieces marinated in an aromatic mixture of yogurt and spices, then seared to golden perfection. The chicken is nestled into a velvety sauce of onions, garlic, ginger, and a tapestry of spices, finished with a generous pour of thickened cream for that irresistible richness.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tikka:
- 500 g boneless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ginger minced
For the Masala:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 ml thickened cream
- salt to taste
For garnish, optional:
- Fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, cinnamon, salt, and minced ginger. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensure they're well coated, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably 3-4 hours.
- Cook the Chicken: heat the oil over medium heat, in a skillet add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: in the same skillet, add onion and cook until translucent. Then add garlic and minced ginger and cook for another minute. Add the turmeric, cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Stir well to combine and cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to bloom. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Finish the Dish: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or both.
- Dobar tek!