Description
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish featuring tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Perfect served over fluffy basmati rice!
Ingredients
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Chicken Tikka Marinade:
- 600g/ 1.2lb chicken thigh (boneless, skinless), cut into 3cm / 2.2″ cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, full fat best (Greek is fine)
- 6 cloves garlic , minced (~1.5 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger , grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp each salt, cumin, ground coriander, paprika (sweet, normal or smokey)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch black pepper
- 2 tsp lemon juice
Cooking Chicken:
- 1 – 2 tbsp oil
Curry Sauce Spices:
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Curry Sauce:
- 3 tbsp (65ml) vegetable oil
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter OR ghee
- 1 onion, finely chopped (brown, white or yellow)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger , grated
- 6 cloves garlic , crushed or grated
- 1 tbsp paprika (not smoked)
- 1 2/3 cups (400ml) tomato passata (tomato puree)
- 1 2/3 cups (400ml) water
- 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) cream
- 1 tsp sugar
- 50g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter OR ghee
Instructions
- Chicken Tikka: Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl and mix. Add chicken and turn well to coat. Cover with cling wrap and leave in fridge to marinate overnight (3 hours minimum).
- Cooking Chicken: Heat oil in a non-stick pan over high heat. Cook chicken until charred.
- Sauce: Cook spices, onions, ginger, and garlic. Add tomato passata, water, and simmer. Puree sauce, add cream, sugar, butter, and chicken. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Chicken breast is not recommended for this recipe.
- Garam Masala is a common Indian spice mix available in major supermarkets.
- Use a high smoke point oil for cooking.
- Blending the sauce is crucial for a silky texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg