🔹️ Chicken Tikka Masala: Creamy, Flavor-Packed Indian Curry
🍛 Craving a rich, aromatic curry with tender chicken and a velvety sauce? This Chicken Tikka Masala is ready in just 45 minutes (or longer if marinated overnight) and is perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or any time you want restaurant-quality Indian flavors at home. ✅️
🔹️ Ingredients and Their Role
For the Chicken Marinade:
- ◾️ 1 cup plain or Greek yogurt – Tenderizes chicken and forms a creamy base.
- ◾️ 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances spices.
- ◾️ 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin – Earthy warmth and depth.
- ◾️ 1 teaspoon garam masala – Classic Indian spice blend for authentic flavor.
- ◾️ 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder – Mild heat without overpowering.
- ◾️ 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all flavors.
- ◾️ 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger – Aromatic warmth.
- ◾️ 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Bold, savory flavor.
- ◾️ 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces – Protein base for the dish.
For the Sauce:
- ◾️ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For sautéing onions and spices.
- ◾️ 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness.
- ◾️ 1 large sweet onion, finely diced – Builds flavor and sweetness.
- ◾️ 2 teaspoons grated ginger & 2 cloves minced garlic – Aromatic base.
- ◾️ 2 teaspoons brown sugar – Balances acidity of tomato sauce.
- ◾️ 1 teaspoon each: coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, garam masala – Layered spices for authentic flavor.
- ◾️ 8 oz can tomato sauce – Creates rich, velvety base.
- ◾️ 1 1/4 cups heavy cream – Adds creaminess that balances spices.
- ◾️ 1/4 cup water – Optional, to adjust sauce consistency.
For Serving:
- ◾️ Chopped cilantro – Fresh, aromatic garnish.
- ◾️ Naan bread – Traditional accompaniment.
- ◾️ Cooked basmati rice – Perfect vehicle for creamy sauce.
🔹️ Step-by-Step Instructions
✅️ Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
➡️ In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, ginger, and garlic.
➡️ Toss chicken in marinade until coated.
➡️ Let marinate 15 minutes to 1 hour, or ideally overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
✅️ Step 2: Cook the Chicken
➡️ Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
➡️ Add chicken in batches; avoid overcrowding.
➡️ Cook 1 minute untouched for a crust, then sauté another 5 minutes until browned.
➡️ Remove chicken and keep warm.
✅️ Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
➡️ Melt butter in the same skillet.
➡️ Sauté onions 3 minutes until soft, scraping up browned bits.
➡️ Add ginger and garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
➡️ Stir in brown sugar, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, garam masala, and salt for 15 seconds.
➡️ Pour in tomato sauce; simmer 3-5 minutes until thickened.
➡️ Stir in heavy cream until smooth.
✅️ Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
➡️ Return chicken (with juices) to skillet.
➡️ Simmer 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and sauce is bubbling.
➡️ Add water if sauce is too thick.
✅️ Step 5: Serve
➡️ Plate over basmati rice.
➡️ Serve with naan bread and garnish with chopped cilantro.
➡️ Enjoy this creamy, aromatic curry! 🍛
🔹️ Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala
- ✅ Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- ✅ Use a cast-iron skillet for a nice sear on the chicken.
- ✅ Adjust red chili powder to control spiciness.
- ✅ Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling.
🔹️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ◾️ Authentic Indian flavors at home.
- ◾️ Creamy, aromatic, and comforting.
- ◾️ Quick and easy—perfect for weeknights.
- ◾️ Family-friendly with mild yet flavorful spice.
🔹️ Serving Suggestions
- ➡ Serve over basmati or jeera rice.
- ➡ Pair with warm naan or garlic naan.
- ➡ Add cucumber raita on the side for freshness.
🔹️ Final Thoughts
This Chicken Tikka Masala delivers a creamy, aromatic, and flavor-packed curry that’s perfect for **family dinners, weeknights, or impressing guests**. With tender chicken, a rich tomato cream sauce, and fresh cilantro garnish, every bite is comforting and irresistible.
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