Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish that has won the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. The tender chicken, marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, creates a symphony of flavors that's often associated with dining at an Indian restaurant. But guess what? You can recreate this restaurant-style magic in your own kitchen. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to prepare Chicken Tikka Masala that's sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan bread (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
2. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and have a slight char. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, paprika, and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low, and gradually add the heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the tomato sauce and let them simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish your Chicken Tikka Masala with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve this delectable dish with cooked rice or warm naan bread.
Conclusion:
With this restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, you've unlocked the secret to preparing a mouthwatering Indian classic at home. The marinated, grilled chicken combined with the rich tomato cream sauce creates a dish that's sure to become a family favorite. So, fire up your kitchen and savor the deliciousness of homemade Chicken Tikka Masala. Bon appétit!
