Deliciosa Tikka Masala Recipe

I absolutely love this chicken tikka masala recipe because it brings together the perfect blend of spices that take my taste buds on an exotic adventure, and it makes me feel like a culinary rockstar in my own kitchen. Plus, there’s something so comforting and satisfying about enjoying a homemade dish with tender chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of fragrant basmati rice, especially when I’ve had a long day.

Tikka Masala is a lively dish I love for its rich flavors and bewitching aromas. The tender chicken pieces are marinated in a simple yogurt mixture and an array of spices, including cumin and garam masala, that contribute magnificently to the flavor profile.

What strikes me most about this dish are the built-in layers of flavor and texture. Creamy tomato sauce mixed with freshly grated ginger and cayenne pepper is about as tempting a combination as I can imagine.

And then, the sauce and the chicken together, over basmati rice: What an utterly delightful presentation of this dish.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast:
Promoting muscle health is high-quality protein that is low in fat.

Yogurt:
Chicken made meat-eater friendly by eliminating allergens.

Probiotic-rich, aids digestion, tenderizes chicken.

Lemon Juice:
Imparts sharp flavor, is super-rich in ascorbic acid, and helps you absorb iron.

Garam Masala:
Spice blend of warm and deep aromas.

Turmeric:
Includes curcumin, which is anti-inflammatory and adds vibrant color.

Cayenne Pepper:
Delivers warmth, stimulates metabolism, abundant in capsaicin.

Tomato Sauce:
Bringing acidity and sweetness, it is rich in lycopene and has antioxidant properties.

Heavy Cream:
Imparts richness and creaminess, moderates spices.

Cilantro:
Herbaceous flavor that is fresh and contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt to taste
• Steamed basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

2. In a large skillet, over medium heat, pour in the vegetable oil. Then, add the onion, chopped, of course. After that, proceed to sauté said onion until it is both soft and golden—though some would say 5 minutes is too long to achieve this softness and goldenness.

3. Combine the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring them into the mixture for another minute until you can smell their fragrant aroma.

4. The marinated chicken is added to the skillet, with any excess marinade being discarded. The chicken is then sautéed until it has a brown color all over, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

5. Add the tomato sauce, and stir it together with the chicken and spices. Bring the entire mixture to a simmer.

6. Decrease the heat to low and carefully add the heavy cream, stirring well to combine and create a smooth, cohesive sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

7. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt as required.

8. Before serving, garnish with cilantro that has been freshly chopped.

9. Serve piping hot, accompanied by steamed basmati rice.

10. Deliciosa Tikka Masala can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of extra cilantro, if desired.

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl
2. Large skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Measuring cups
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Spoon for stirring
8. Grater (for ginger)
9. Stove
10. Refrigerator
11. Spatula
12. Serving spoon
13. Plate for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
  A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Q: What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?Take a bowl and combine the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Cover the bowl, and then put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. The longer you let it marinate, the better, as the flavors will have time to penetrate the meat.
• Q: Can I use Greek yogurt in the marinade?A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, but you may want to thin it a bit with water because of its thickness.
• Q: Is this dish spicy?Cayenne pepper gives the dish heat. However, you can vary the spice level to meet your taste by using less or none at all.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?A: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and freeze for up to a month.
• Q: Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?A: Yes, however, the sauce will not be quite as rich and creamy.
• Q: Is there a substitute for garam masala?The flavor of garam masala is essential, but if you need to, you can make a quick homemade version with:
  – cinnamon,
  – cumin, and
  – coriander.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use thick Greek yogurt in place of plain yogurt for a thicker marinade or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice to achieve a slightly different citrus flavor.
Tofu or paneer can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken.
Should you lack garam masala, employ a blend of ground cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
To achieve a less intense flavor, you can replace cayenne pepper with an equal amount of paprika.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices and yogurt to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

2. Sear the Chicken When adding the chicken to the skillet, make sure the pan is hot enough to sear the pieces. This not only helps brown the chicken but also adds a layer of depth to the taste through the Maillard reaction.

3. Creamy Consistency To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure the tomato sauce mixture is not too hot when adding the cream. Gently warming the cream slightly before adding it can help maintain a smooth consistency.

4. Fresh Ginger and Garlic Consider grating the ginger and garlic just before using them to ensure their maximum flavor is released and remains fragrant in the dish.

5. Cilantro Garnish For added flavor and a touch of freshness, mix some of the cilantro into the sauce just before serving, as well as using it for garnishing. This enhances the aroma and adds a burst of color to the dish.