Are you craving a restaurant-quality Chicken Tikka Masala but don't want to leave the house? This recipe, inspired by the best of Reddit's food threads, brings the vibrant flavors of this classic Indian dish right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this homemade masterpiece!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken (at least 2 hours, preferably overnight):
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the chicken. Mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be!
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers (optional, but it looks beautiful!) or simply arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
Make the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and gently stir to coat.
- Simmer for a few more minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier dish: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to both the marinade and the sauce.
- For a milder dish: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
- For a richer sauce: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, or add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or firm tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before adding the chicken.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!