Description
Chicken Tikka Masala embraces Indian cuisine’s rich, creamy essence with tender marinated chicken swimming in a luxurious tomato-based sauce. Spicy, aromatic flavors dance across your palate, whisking you through culinary landscapes of robust Northern Indian traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken, boneless and skinless
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large sweet onion, finely diced
- 8 ounces (227 grams) tomato sauce (unseasoned)
- 1.25 cups (296 milliliters) heavy cream
- 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) water (only if needed)
Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped cilantro
- Naan bread
- Cooked basmati rice
Instructions
- Prepare a flavorful marinade by whisking all ingredients together in a spacious mixing bowl, then thoroughly coat chicken pieces, ensuring even coverage. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes, though refrigerating overnight will enhance the depth of flavors.
- Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it appears shimmering and hot. Cook chicken pieces in separate batches to prevent overcrowding, creating a golden crust by allowing each piece to remain untouched for 1 minute, then continue sautéing until beautifully browned, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate and set aside.
- Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then gently sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, roughly 3 minutes. Carefully scrape any caramelized bits from the skillet’s bottom to incorporate additional flavor.
- Introduce minced ginger and garlic into the onion mixture, stirring briefly until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt into the pan. Stir the spices intermittently for about 15 seconds to awaken their robust flavors.
- Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently while stirring occasionally. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, deep color.
- Gently incorporate heavy cream into the sauce, ensuring smooth and thorough integration with the existing mixture.
- Carefully return the partially cooked chicken and its accumulated juices back into the pan. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, verifying that the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce maintains its desired consistency.
- If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add water to achieve the perfect sauce texture, stirring carefully to maintain its integrity.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the aromatic chicken tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice. Accompany with warm naan bread and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant, authentic presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken transforms ordinary protein into a flavor-packed culinary journey with yogurt and spices creating magical tenderizing chemistry.
- Searing chicken pieces develops deep caramelized crusts that lock in succulent juices, ensuring each bite bursts with incredible taste and texture.
- Layering aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala builds complex flavor profiles that dance deliciously across your palate.
- Slow-simmering tomato sauce allows spices to bloom and meld together, creating a rich, velvety base that embraces the chicken perfectly.
- Finishing with cream introduces luxurious smoothness, balancing the dish’s bold spiciness and creating an indulgent, restaurant-quality sauce that feels like a warm culinary hug.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg