Description

Chicken Tikka Masala is a globally popular dish consisting of grilled marinated chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It combines rich flavors with aromatic spices, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal typically enjoyed with rice or bread.

Ingredients

⅓ cup garlic cloves

⅓ cup fresh ginger, coarsely chopped

¼ cup canola oil

2½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless, skinless

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

For the Marinade:

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp garam masala

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

1 tbsp ground coriander

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Cook the Chicken:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess.

Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Cut the grilled chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the sauce, stirring gently to coat.

Notes

Ensure chicken pieces are not too small to prevent them from drying out on the grill.
For a healthier version, substitute cream with coconut milk or low-fat yogurt.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and jalapeno in the sauce to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling and Simmering
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 125mg