How to Make a Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish that has gained international fame and is beloved by many for its rich flavors and comforting aromas. This vibrant, aromatic curry can be easily prepared at home with some basic ingredients. Whether you are looking to impress your family or friends over dinner, this recipe will surely be a hit.

Here’s how you can make this flavorful dish:

Ingredients

400g boneless chicken thighs (bone-in) - 1.5 cups chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tbsp garam masala powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
Salt to taste
4 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for marinating)
For the masala sauce: 1 onion finely chopped, 4 medium-sized tomatoes blended into puree form, 2 green chillies slit lengthwise, 3-4 cloves garlic minced, and 1 tsp cumin seeds
4 tbsp coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Fresh cream or heavy whipping cream (for the masala sauce) - 50 ml

Cooking Instructions

Marinating: In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with lemon juice, garlic, garam masala, turmeric and salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Making the Masala Sauce: While your chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce by heating a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle until they pop. Then add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic, green chillies, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and ground coriander. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the tomato puree and cook everything together on a medium heat for around 20 minutes.
Frying Chicken: After your sauce is ready, preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius if you are choosing to bake the chicken instead of grilling. Drain the excess marinade from the chicken pieces and brush them with oil. Grill or bake (baking will give a softer texture) until thoroughly cooked but still pink inside - about 25 minutes for baking.
Combining the Sauce and Chicken: Once the chicken is done, let it rest on a plate while you gently pour your masala sauce into an oven-safe pan. Add the grilled or baked chicken pieces to this sauce and cook in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving: Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, rotis (Indian flatbread), and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. You can also add some heavy cream or fresh cream to enrich the dish further.

Cooking Time and Servings

Cooking time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour, including a marination period of at least 30 minutes. This meal serves four people generously.

Health Benefits

Chicken Tikka Masala offers several health benefits. It is rich in lean protein which supports muscle repair and growth. The spices used like turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while coriander leaves contribute to a healthy digestive system and enhance the immune function.

Tips for Cooking

For spicier masala sauce, increase the amount of green chillies or use fresh red chilly powder.
To make the dish less spicy but more flavorful, reduce the spice content. Adjust as per your taste preference.
If you are a non-vegetarian and can consume seafood, consider substituting chicken with prawns (shrimp) for a similar yet unique experience.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala! This dish is not only delicious but also a perfect way to explore the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. With this recipe in hand, you can create a memorable meal that will bring everyone at the table together. Happy cooking!