Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular favorite among many, is a vibrant dish combining the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with the creamy and tangy tomato sauce that provides an authentic taste experience. This dish has become a staple in many households across various parts of the world. The recipe below ensures you can recreate this delicious meal right at home.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• Olive oil or butter for cooking
• Onion (optional) for garnish
• Cilantro leaves for garnish
• Tomato puree
• Milk or heavy cream (for masala)
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala powder, paprika, coriander, salt, garlic cloves, and cumin seeds. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Add the chicken cubes to this mixture. Mix gently ensuring each piece of meat is coated with spices. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Prepare the masala: Once your chicken has marinated, heat oil in a pan over medium heat until it's warm but not smoking. Add the marinated pieces of chicken to the hot oil. Stir-fry until they turn golden brown. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add tomato puree and milk or heavy cream to the pan. Let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes on low heat while stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Season the masala with freshly ground black pepper and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or spices according to personal taste preference.
6. Garnish: Serve hot chicken tikka masala garnished with cilantro leaves and optionally, sliced onion for that extra crunch!

Tips & Variations:

• To make this recipe healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used or opt for cooking spray instead.
• You could also experiment by adding other vegetables like peas, carrots, or even paneer (Indian cottage cheese) into your dish to add more texture and variety.
• For those who prefer a spicier meal, consider adding some red chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick!

Nutritional Information:

The exact nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used; however, here’s an estimate based on standard measures:

• Calories per serving: approximately 450 kcal
• Fat content: around 30g
• Carbohydrates: about 28g
• Protein: roughly 70g

Conclusion:

Chicken Tikka Masala is not just any ordinary dish; it's a delightful blend of various spices and flavors that make every bite memorable. With its simplicity yet complexity in taste, this recipe offers an excellent opportunity to try new ingredients while enjoying the rich tradition behind each component.

This versatile dish can be enjoyed with naan bread or rice as accompaniments. It pairs wonderfully well with a side salad for a balanced meal. Whether you're hosting friends or simply treating yourself, chicken tikka masala is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at your table.