Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is rich, creamy, a hint spicy and can be made in 30 minutes. This Indian-inspired meal is so easy to make at home and is packed with flavor. Tender, spiced chicken is cooked in a delicious sauce, then served over rice with fresh naan. This is a cozy meal, you’ll want to eat any day of the week!
The details
Marinating the chicken
Traditional Chicken Tikka Masala is made by marinating the chicken in a yogurt and spice blend. The yogurt helps to tenderize the chicken, making it moister and more delicious. The spice blend flavors the chicken and since it sits in this mixture for 10 minutes, the chicken absorbs the delicious spices, making it more flavorful.
You can marinate the chicken longer than 10 minutes. You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, so if you want to break this recipe apart and prepare the chicken the night before, then cook it the next day, that would work perfectly fine. However, if you’re like me and don’t think that far in advance, marinating the chicken for 10 minutes does the job. It tenderizes the chicken enough and provides enough flavor to the dish.
cooking the chicken
Once the chicken is ready, you’ll add the chicken to a large skillet that’s been preheated with oil. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan, because you want the chicken to get a nice golden brown crust on the sides, so you may have to cook the chicken in 2 batches. The chicken only takes 3-4 minutes per side to achieve the nice golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan at this point. It will finish cooking in the sauce.
make the sauce
Using the same skillet, you’ll cook the onion until softened, then add in the spices, garlic, ginger and tomato paste. Saute this mixture for 30 sseconds to enhance the flavors, then add in the tomato sauce and the chicken back into the pan. The mixture will simmer for 10 minutes, which helps to thicken the sauce and fully cook the chicken.
serving
The final step for the Chicken Tikka Masala is to add heavy cream and fresh cilantro. I like to serve over rice, with fresh homemade naan to soak up all of the delicious sauce.
If you make this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, let me know what you thought below in the ratings and comments. I always appreciate your feedback. Make sure you find me on instagram and youtube for the full cooking video for this as well as some fun behind the scenes.
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Chicken Tikka Masala
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is rich, creamy, a hint spicy and can be made in 30 minutes. This Indian-inspired meal is so easy to make at home and is packed with flavor. Tender, spiced chicken is cooked in a delicious sauce, then served over rice with fresh naan. This is a cozy meal, you’ll want to eat any day of the week!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
Naan, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large bowl add all ingredients for the chicken. Using a spoon or tongs, toss to evenly coat the chicken in the spices and yogurt. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to marinate for 10 minutes in refrigerator.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken, cooking in 2 batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the pan.
3. Make the sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add in the ginger, garlic, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, turmeric and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add in the tomato sauce and add the chicken back in. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the cream and fresh cilantro.
6. Serve with rice and homemade Naan. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Indian
