Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Introduction:

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent but has gained immense popularity worldwide. This flavorful curry features tender chunks of marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Its irresistible taste and vibrant colors make it a favorite choice for Indian food enthusiasts.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Marination Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients:

For Marination:

Quantity	Ingredient
500g	Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup	Plain yogurt
2 tbsp	Lemon juice
2 tsp	Ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp	Ground cumin
1 tsp	Paprika
1/2 tsp	Turmeric powder
To taste	Salt

For Sauce:

Quantity	Ingredient
2 tbsp	Vegetable oil
1	Large onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves	Garlic (minced)
1-inch	Ginger (grated)
2	Green chilies (optional, chopped)
1 cup	Tomato puree
1 tsp	Ground coriander
1 tsp	Garam masala
1 tsp	Paprika
1/2 cup	Heavy cream
To taste	Salt
To garnish	Fresh cilantro leaves

5. Detailed Step by Step Guide:

Marination:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric powder, and salt.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for best results.

Cooking:

1. Grilling Chicken:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and charred. Set aside.

2. Preparing Sauce:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato puree and cook for 5-6 minutes until the raw flavor disappears.
5. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour in heavy cream and mix well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt to taste.

3. Combining Chicken with Sauce:

1. Add grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

6. Conclusion: Indulge in the aromatic flavors and creamy texture of this classic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, this dish promises to delight your taste buds with its rich blend of spices and tender chicken. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal experience!