User Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish consisting of marinated and grilled chunks of chicken served in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Here’s a recipe to make Chicken Tikka Masala:

Ingredients for Chicken Tikka:

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • Skewers for grilling (if using)

Ingredients for Masala Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 400g canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
  3. If grilling, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the masala sauce. Heat vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  7. Add the canned diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with any juices, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce is heated through.
  9. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the masala sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. Season the Chicken Tikka Masala with salt to taste, then garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
  11. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!