Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

 A Flavorful Indian Classic

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and flavorful spices.

This recipe guides you through each step to create a delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala that's sure to impress.

Ideal for serving with naan or basmati rice, this dish brings the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right to your table.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade :

• 1 ½ lbs. boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce :

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken (1 hour)

• In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Cook the Chicken (10-15 minutes)

• Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with foil.
• Grill or bake the marinated chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce (15-20 minutes)

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce (5 minutes)

• Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the chicken to heat through.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
• Serve hot with naan bread or basmati rice.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala

• Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Grilling: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grilling the chicken adds a delicious char.
• Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Enjoy making this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, a perfect blend of spices and creaminess that brings a taste of India to your home.

This dish is not only flavorful but also a great way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.