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Chicken Tikka Masala

Savory Chicken Tikka Masala Made Easy at Home

This Chicken Tikka Masala combines yogurt-marinated chicken thighs with aromatic spices for a flavorful and comforting meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marination Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 600 g Chicken Thigh Provides juiciness and rich flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Plain Yogurt Opt for full-fat for creamier texture.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Minced; adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Grated; enhances aromatic profile.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tsp Garam Masala Key spice blend.
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for taste.
  • 1 tsp Cumin Adds earthy depth.
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander Offers citrus and herbal notes.
  • 1 tbsp Paprika Stick to sweet paprika.
  • 2-3 tbsp Butter or Ghee Provides richness.
  • 1 Onion Finely chopped; forms the base of the sauce.
  • 400 ml Tomato Passata Essential for the sauce.
  • 400 ml Water Helps achieve desired sauce consistency.
  • 100 ml Cream Adds luxurious creaminess.
For the Finishing Touches
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper Optional; adjust to taste.
  • 2 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens flavors.
  • 1 tsp Sugar Balances acidity from tomatoes.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Immersion blender

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and salt. Add chicken thighs, ensuring coating. Cover and refrigerate for 3-24 hours.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until charred but not fully cooked. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat, add butter, and stir in chopped onion and salt. Cook until onions are soft and golden, then add garlic and paprika.
  4. Add tomato passata and water, bring to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth.
  5. Return sauce to skillet, stir in cream, sugar, and charred chicken. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce is creamy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Choose chicken thighs for tenderness. Marinate 12 hours for intense flavor. Blending the sauce is crucial for a silky texture. Control heat while charring chicken. Adjust spice levels as desired.

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