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Cooking Chicken Tikka Recipes: Chicken Tikka Masala with Tomatoes
Indulge in the rich and aromatic world of Indian cuisine with this Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, where succulent chicken pieces are embraced by a luscious, tomato-based sauce infused with a medley of spices. View the recipe below!
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Chicken Tikka Masala with Tomatoes
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken pieces on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and their juices to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the heavy cream to the sauce and stir well. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt, to taste. Add the baked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir well. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
- Serve the chicken tikka masala with basmati rice and/or naan bread.
Notes
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinating the chicken in the yogurt and spice mixture will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-size pieces before marinating.
- If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can also grill the chicken on skewers.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken in the oven or on the grill, as it can become dry and tough.
- Adjust the level of spice in the dish to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
FAQs about the Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
What’s the difference between Chicken Tikka and Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka consists of marinated and grilled chicken pieces, while Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy tomato-based curry where the grilled chicken is simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. However, chicken breast is often preferred for this recipe as it tends to be leaner.
How can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
To control the spiciness, vary the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes used in the recipe. Adding less will result in a milder dish, while increasing the amount will make it spicier.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for the plain yogurt in the marinade?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a suitable substitute for plain yogurt in the marinade, as it provides a creamy texture and helps tenderize the chicken.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this dish?
Chicken Tikka Masala pairs wonderfully with rice, such as basmati or naan bread. It also goes well with various Indian accompaniments like raita, chutney, or a side salad. The choice of sides can be tailored to your personal preference and the level of heat in the dish.
➡️ If you need additional info, read more on here. I also recommend trying other chicken tikka recipes available on this website such as Leftover BBQ Chicken Tikka Masala.
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