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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: A Detailed Guide for a Perfect Meal

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Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that has its roots in Indian cuisine, though it has been widely adopted and adapted across the globe. It consists of marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with a blend of spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • Chicken: 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Yogurt: 1 cup plain yogurt for marination.
  • Garlic and Ginger Paste: 2 tablespoons for flavor.
  • Tomato Purée: 1 cup for the base of the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: ½ cup for a rich and creamy texture.
  • Onion: 1 large, finely chopped.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
  • Cilantro: Fresh, for garnish.

Spices

  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp  paprika

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

  • Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped, for added heat.
  • Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 teaspoon for a subtle earthy flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon to add brightness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preparing the Chicken
    Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors from the marinade.
  • Marination Process
    In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, ginger paste, and all the spices. Mix well to form a smooth marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor
  • Preparing the Sauce
    While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. Start by heating butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Add the tomato purée and let it cook for about 10 minutes until the oil separates from the sauce. This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavor in the sauce.

Cooking Instructions

  • Making the Sauce
    After the chicken is grilled, return to the sauce. Add the heavy cream to the tomato base and stir well to combine. If you’re using Kasuri Methi and green chilies, add them at this stage. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
  • Combining the Chicken and Sauce
    Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat them evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 10 minutes. This ensures that the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a delicious, cohesive dish.