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Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala: 1 Glorious Secret

Chicken Tikka Masala

Create a delicious restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala at home, featuring tender grilled chicken in a rich, creamy, and spiced tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a flavorful weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, minced garlic, cumin, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  4. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
  5. While the chicken is grilling, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  6. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  8. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  10. Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-fry or bake the chicken.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper for your preferred level of spice.

Nutrition