Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular dishes in Indian and British cuisine. This rich and flavorful curry has become a household favorite worldwide. Whether you're craving for something spicy or just want to enjoy a comforting meal, this recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients Needed

4 boneless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)
1 tablespoon of garam masala powder
1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
3 tablespoons of yogurt, mixed well with the paste
1 teaspoon each of cumin seeds and coriander powder
Salt to taste (adjust as needed)
Fresh cilantro for garnishing (optional)
Coconut milk or heavy cream: 200 ml
Ghee, oil or butter for cooking

Preparation Time and Servings

This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare. It serves 4 people generously.

Step-by-Step Guide

Marination: Begin by mixing chicken chunks with the paste of ginger-garlic, garam masala powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, and yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to seep into the meat.
Cooking Tikka: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with some oil or ghee. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them on both sides until they turn golden brown, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
Tomato Base: In another pan, add tomatoes puree and stir in salt to taste. Simmer this mixture for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Masala Mix: Now, add the tikka pieces into the tomato base. Stir well so that all pieces are covered with spices. Let them simmer together on low heat for about 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to a desirable consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, mix in coconut milk or heavy cream and let it cook gently for another couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. The curry is now ready to serve hot over steamed rice or flatbreads like naan.

Additional Tips

To make this dish even more delicious, consider adding a few green chilies for extra heat or raisins and cashews for sweet and savory flavor. For an authentic touch, you might also want to use homemade tomato puree instead of canned ones.

If you're looking forward to trying this at home but have limited time, consider making the marinade ahead of time or preparing some of the ingredients beforehand. This way, when it's mealtime, all you need is to quickly sauté your tikka and mix it with the tomato base, which will significantly reduce cooking time.

Tips for a Spicy Kick

If you want a spicier version of Chicken Tikka Masala, consider adding more ginger-garlic paste or increasing the amount of fresh chillies. Some prefer to add a pinch of cayenne pepper as well.

Storage and Reheating

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to reheat, do so gently over low heat; adding a little water or cream can help maintain its richness without making it watery.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that combines various flavors and aromas. The key to this dish lies in the balance of spices, the soft texture of the chicken, and the creamy richness brought by the masala sauce.