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Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
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Easy Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with a velvety texture. Perfect for quick dinners and customizable to various spice preferences, this recipe makes a satisfying meal served best with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp salt (for marinade)

Masala Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic-ginger paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse it with spices.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a pan with a splash of oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. This seals in the juices for tender bites later.
  3. Prepare the masala sauce: In the same pan, add additional butter or ghee and sauté garlic and ginger paste until fragrant. Stir in garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and tomato puree. Let it simmer gently so the flavors meld and the tomato loses its rawness.
  4. Simmer together: Add the partially cooked chicken to the sauce, stir to coat evenly. Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream or coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally to develop a thick, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
  5. Garnish and finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish just before serving to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to breasts.
  • Do not skip marinating as it tenderizes the chicken and builds flavor.
  • Partially cook the chicken first to prevent dryness during simmering.
  • Simmer the sauce on low heat to maintain creaminess and prevent splitting.
  • Lightly toast spices before adding liquids to enhance aroma and depth.
  • Add cream at the end and stir gently to achieve a silky sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Curry, Easy Indian Recipes, Creamy Chicken Curry, Quick Chicken Dinner

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/easy-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe/