How to Make a Delicious Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that has gained immense popularity across the globe. It is not only rich in flavor but also packed with various health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying and nutritious meal. This dish is perfect for vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians alike since chicken can be used instead of paneer or vegetables.

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Serving size: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken breasts (cut into cubes) - 1 kg
Tomato puree – 300 ml
Yogurt (plain and non-fat) – 1 cup
Ginger-Garlic paste – 1 tbsp
Coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder - as required
Salt to taste
Masala for tikka: Garam masala, cayenne pepper (optional), black pepper
Chives or green coriander for garnishing - as needed

Preparation Steps

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Add salt to taste. Place the marinated chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Serve tikka on the stove top: Heat up your stove with some oil until it gets hot. Take the marinated chicken cubes one by one and place them in the oil. Let it brown for a couple of minutes then turn and cook on both sides until fully cooked and golden-brown.
Create the sauce: In another pot, heat up ghee or any preferred cooking oil. Add your masala mix to this oil and let it sizzle for some time. Then add in the tomato puree and stir continuously until the mixture is thick.
Combine everything: When you have a perfectly cooked tikka and a flavorful sauce, combine them both together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or more to allow all flavors to meld beautifully.
Garnish: Garnish the dish with chives or green coriander as per your preference. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Nutritional Benefits and Health Facts

The chicken tikka masala is not only delicious but also has several health benefits that make it a perfect choice for those who want to keep their diet balanced. The dish contains significant amounts of protein which helps in building muscles, maintaining blood sugar levels steady throughout the day, and reducing inflammation. Additionally, tomatoes are rich sources of antioxidants like lycopene which play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease.

The spices used in this dish such as turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties while coriander is known for its digestive health benefits. Furthermore, yogurt contributes to maintaining bone density by providing essential calcium and vitamin D. However, it’s important to note that the caloric intake can vary depending on portion sizes; hence moderation should always be practiced.

Other Variations of Chicken Tikka Masala

Besides being a vegetarian dish or using chicken tikka masala, there are numerous other variations available according to personal preferences and dietary requirements. For instance, one could use paneer (Indian cottage cheese) instead of meat, which would make it suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Chicken Tikka Masala: Traditional Indian dish with marinated chicken tikka simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.
Panner Tikka Masala: Similar to Chicken Tikka Masala but made using paneer instead of meat. This variation is particularly popular among vegans and vegetarians as it offers similar flavors without any animal products involved.
Soy Bean Tikka Masala: Another alternative for non-vegetarians who might prefer not eating chicken, soy bean tikka masala provides an equally rich flavor profile by using soy beans instead.

Conclusion

p>In conclusion, Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a delicious and filling dish; it’s also highly adaptable to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for something hearty for dinner or planning a special occasion meal, this versatile recipe offers endless possibilities. So why wait? Try making your own batch at home today and enjoy its delightful taste!