Flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Transport your taste buds to India with this delightful Chicken Tikka Masala, enhanced with a harmonious blend of spices and creamy tomato sauce. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between richness and warmth while allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through. The marination process tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with a variety of bold spices. Served alongside fragrant basmati rice, this dish makes for a comforting meal that your family will savor. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Tikka Masala is sure to impress!
4
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
yogurt
1 cup (plain, unsweetened)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
ground cumin
4 teaspoons
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons
black pepper
2 teaspoons
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
boneless chicken breasts
3 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
wooden skewers
4 (soaked in water for 20 min)
butter
1 tablespoon
garlic
1 clove (minced)
jalapeno pepper
1 (finely chopped)
paprika
2 teaspoons
tomato sauce
8 ounces
heavy cream
1 cup
salt
to taste
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, minced ginger, and cubed chicken. Mix well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3
After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto soaked wooden skewers.
4
Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes per side. Once done, set the skewers aside.
5
In a large heavy skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and jalapeño pepper, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
6
Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of ground cumin and paprika to the skillet, stirring to combine and let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
7
Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8
Carefully add the grilled chicken skewers to the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
9
Season with salt to taste, and garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
10g
Carbs
25g
Protein
200mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Chicken Tikka Masala?
It features a harmonious blend of bold spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What cut of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for 3 boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor profile.
What goes into the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and minced ginger.
How do I prepare the wooden skewers?
Soak the wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading the chicken.
Why do the skewers need to be soaked?
Soaking prevents the wooden skewers from burning while on the high-heat grill.
What is the grilling time for the chicken?
Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes per side until it is no longer pink in the center.
How should I cook the aromatics?
Melt butter in a heavy skillet and sauté minced garlic and jalapeño for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Which spices are added to the skillet after the aromatics?
Add the remaining ground cumin and paprika to the skillet to bloom for about 30 seconds.
What does it mean to let the spices bloom?
Blooming involves stirring spices in hot fat to release their natural oils and enhance their overall flavor.
How long does the tomato and cream base need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
When do I add the grilled chicken to the sauce?
After the sauce has simmered for 20 minutes, add the chicken skewers and simmer for another 10 minutes.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish should be garnished with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
What is a good side dish for Chicken Tikka Masala?
It is best served alongside fragrant basmati rice.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it contains cayenne pepper and a jalapeño pepper, giving it a spicy kick.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the sodium content?
This recipe has 200mg of sodium per serving.
What type of yogurt should I use?
Plain, unsweetened yogurt is recommended for the marinade.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe suggests using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What type of tomato product is used for the sauce?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of standard tomato sauce.
Is heavy cream necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of heavy cream is used to create the signature creamy texture of the Tikka Masala.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 specific ingredients required for this dish.
What tags describe this dish?
Tags include Indian cuisine, curry, grilled chicken, comfort food, spicy, and creamy.
Can I use ginger paste instead of fresh ginger?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger for authentic flavor.
How do I ensure the chicken is tender?
The marination process with yogurt and lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken pieces.
Should the grill be preheated?
Yes, preheat the grill to high heat before cooking the chicken skewers to get a good sear.