
Chicken Tikka Masala
Aromatic and creamy Indian curry with marinated grilled chicken in a rich tomato sauce.
30 mins
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt to taste
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Cook the chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill or broil for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the sauce: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown. Add remaining ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomato puree, sugar, and salt. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil separates from the mixture.
Finish the curry: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and add the grilled chicken pieces. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is creamy.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or steamed rice.
Chef's Tips
- Marination Time: For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Grilling Tip: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder to control the heat level of the dish.
- Cream Substitute: For a lighter version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers: The flavors develop more the next day, making excellent leftovers.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.