Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender pieces of marinated chicken thighs cooked in a spiced tomato sauce with a luscious cream finish. Perfect for a comforting meal, it combines aromatic spices, yogurt marinade, and a rich sauce that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken thigh pieces and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger into the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring they do not burn.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring and turning, until browned on all sides, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop flavor.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, until heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, though thighs stay juicier.
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Heavy cream can be swapped for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Serve with basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
