Description
Sizzling spices dance through this classic chicken tikka masala, bringing India’s rich culinary heritage to your kitchen. Creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken create a perfect harmony that promises to delight your senses and transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 chicken breasts, cubed (907 grams)
Spices and Herbs:
- 2.5 centimeters fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 inch fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red chili, chopped
- 200 milliliters double cream
- 200 milliliters (6.76 fluid ounces) double cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Blend yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, lime juice, and oil into a vibrant marinade, thoroughly coating chicken pieces for intense flavor infusion.
- Heat a skillet until smoking hot, sear marinated chicken chunks to create golden-brown caramelized exterior, developing deep roasted notes. Remove and reserve.
- In same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and green chilies until translucent and fragrant, releasing aromatic compounds.
- Sprinkle ground turmeric, creating a rich golden base, then pour heavy cream to form a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Gently simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly at medium-low heat.
- Reintroduce seared chicken into simmering cream sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated and cooks through for an additional 4-6 minutes.
- Finish dish with fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors, then garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color and herbal freshness.
Notes
- Swap yogurt for coconut milk to make the dish dairy-free and add a tropical twist.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juicy and tender meat that absorbs marinade better.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili quantity or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
- Prep marinade overnight to intensify flavors and create more complex, deeper taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg