Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe is a real crowd pleaser! It’s delicious and perfect for a week night or weekend dinner. Having a dinner date or hosting friends? This recipe is perfect.

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What is Tikka Masala

An Indian-style dish of small pieces of meat (typically chicken) in a creamy sauce mildly flavored with spices. The spices are what really makes this dish so unique and tasty!

Ingredients needed to make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala :

How to make Chicken Tikka Masala?

1.Combine all spices together in a small bowl. Add chicken chunks and yogurt to the spices and toss together completely. Allow to marinate for an hour. 

2. In a pan (try this one I use) heat coconut oil and sauté chicken over high heat until lightly brown, then remove from heat and set aside.

3. To that same pan add the diced onion/ green onion and butter over medium heat and cook until onions are translucent, stirring frequently for about 2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minutes, stirring frequently so as not to burn.

4. Add tomato sauce and cook for a minute then add coconut milk. 

5. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Add chicken chunks including any juice and seasoning in the chicken pan and allow to simmer for 10- 12 minutes. 

6. Serve with basmati rice and Naan bread.

How to store left over Chicken Tikka Marsala?

Store Chicken Tikka Masala in refrigerator for no more than 3 days.

Don't forget to pin this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe!

Equipment/ Tools used:

  • Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: This cast iron is simply the best! Super easy to clean and easy to maintain. I enjoy using it especially in the oven too. It can be used for frying on the stove top or grilling, just about anything really.

  • White plate: A complete suite of accessories to create a classically stylish casual dining statement. These plate set are very durable, triple-layer-strong glass plates. Say goodbye to chips & cracks.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 cup plain yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 inch ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 inch ginger, grated

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tablespoon garam masala

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

  • Salt to taste

  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

  2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can bake them on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes.

  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, ground cumin, and sugar (if using). Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. Combine with Chicken: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to thicken the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.

  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!

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