Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular Indian dish known for its tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
1.1 In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice.
1.2 Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. Cook the Chicken:
2.1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.2 Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
2.3 Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. You can also grill the chicken on a barbecue if preferred.
3. Prepare the Tikka Masala Sauce:
3.1 In a large pan or skillet, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
3.2 Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3.3 Add ginger paste and garlic paste. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3.4 Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, garam masala, paprika, and red chili powder. Cook the spices for a minute to release their flavors.
3.5 Add tomato puree or crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the oil to separate.
4. Finish the Dish:
4.1 Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to combine.
4.2 Gently add the cooked chicken tikka pieces to the sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If needed, adjust the consistency with a little water.
4.3 Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve:
5.1 Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with chopped fresh cilantro.
5.2 Serve the dish hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala, a rich and flavorful Indian dish that's loved around the world!