How to Make the Best Chicken Tikka Masala

 

Introduction:

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that is made with marinated chicken that is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. It is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. In this article, we will show you how to make the best chicken tikka masala.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons ginger, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Make the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Make the sauce: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the marinated chicken and cook until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve over rice or naan.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

If you don't have time to marinate the chicken, you can simply season it with salt and pepper and cook it in the sauce.

To make the sauce even richer, add 1/4 cup of cream cheese or 1/4 cup of sour cream.

Variations:

For a spicier dish, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

For a milder dish, omit the garam masala.

To add vegetables, stir in 1 cup of chopped carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers with the chicken.

Conclusion:

This chicken tikka masala is the perfect dish for a special occasion. It is rich, flavorful, and sure to please your guests. So next time you are looking for a delicious and impressive meal, be sure to try this recipe.