Description
Chicken Tikka Masala brings sizzling spices straight from Indian kitchens to your dinner table. Marinated tender chicken swimming in a rich tomato cream sauce guarantees a flavor explosion that makes weeknight dinners seriously delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cooking Base and Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne, and salt in a large mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each chunk is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to let flavors penetrate deeply.
- Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with warmth. Sear marinated chicken in batches, browning each piece on all sides for rich caramelization.
- Transfer browned chicken to a plate, leaving flavorful drippings in the pan. Sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Their aromatic essence will fill your kitchen within seconds.
- Pour crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring periodically to develop deep, complex flavors.
- Return chicken pieces to the simmering sauce. Reduce heat, cover, and let the dish gently cook for 20 minutes until chicken becomes tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in heavy cream, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, velvety texture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld all flavors together.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish just before serving for a burst of bright, herbal freshness.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor penetration, aiming for 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste.
- Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to control the heat level, making the dish mild or fiery based on your spice preference.
- Use full-fat yogurt and cream for a richer, more authentic sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 41-43 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg