Introduction: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of India with our authentic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. Bursting with aromatic spices and creamy goodness, this iconic dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine. Follow along as we guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this flavorful masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tikka:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for grilling
For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and brush with vegetable oil. Grill or broil the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Stir in the pureed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, paprika, and salt to taste. Cook the masala sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the masala sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the heavy cream, adjusting the consistency of the sauce as desired. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or your favorite Indian side dishes.
Conclusion: With our authentic Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, you can recreate the magic of Indian cuisine right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of India, this flavorful dish is sure to delight your senses and transport you to the bustling streets of Mumbai. Enjoy the rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and creamy masala sauce as you savor every bite of this quintessential Indian classic.