Grilled Chicken Artichoke Tikka Masala Delight
This Grilled Chicken Artichoke Tikka Masala Delight melds the exotic flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with a fresh twist by incorporating artichoke hearts. Using a blend of aromatic spices, tangy yogurt, and zesty ginger-garlic paste, this lighter adaptation ensures you can relish every bite guilt-free. Cooked on a grill for that perfect char and finished in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, it's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. The artichokes add a unique sweetness that complements the robust spices beautifully, making each mouthful a revelation. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice and alongside warm naan for a meal that will undoubtedly impress your taste buds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (used for cooking and in ginger-garlic paste)
garlic cloves
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh ginger
1/2 cup (peeled and grated)
fat-free Greek yogurt
1 cup (for marinating chicken)
kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 lb (cut into large bite-sized chunks)
light butter
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
serrano pepper
1 (minced (seeds removed))
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
garam masala
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
paprika
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
roma tomatoes
8 (diced)
water
1 cup (for sauce)
dried fenugreek leaves
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
half-and-half
1/2 cup (to create a creamy sauce)
fresh cilantro
1/2 ounce (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by creating a flavorful Ginger-Garlic Paste. Combine the grated garlic and ginger with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the fat-free Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons of the Ginger-Garlic Paste, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and the ground black pepper. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
3
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil along with the light butter. Once melted, add in the remaining Ginger-Garlic Paste and minced serrano pepper. Sauté until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 3 minutes until it darkens slightly. Add the garam masala and paprika, and sauté for an additional minute to enhance their flavors.
5
Introduce the diced roma tomatoes and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, stirring to combine. Allow this mixture to cook for about 2 minutes before adding 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it thicken for approximately 20 minutes.
6
While the sauce simmers, preheat your gas grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Shake off excess marinade from the chicken and place it on the grill. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until charred – it's okay if the chicken is slightly undercooked.
7
Once the sauce has thickened, use an immersion blender to purée it until it reaches a smooth consistency. Return to a boil, then add the grilled chicken chunks and the finely chopped fenugreek leaves. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Stir in the half-and-half, ensuring the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9
Serve the Chicken Artichoke Tikka Masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, over fluffy basmati rice, and with warm naan on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Chicken Artichoke Tikka Masala Delight?
It is a lighter adaptation of traditional Indian Tikka Masala that combines grilled chicken and artichoke hearts in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 1 hour, though refrigerating it overnight allows for a deeper flavor profile.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use breasts, but boneless skinless chicken thighs are recommended as they remain juicier during the grilling process.
What kind of yogurt is used in the marinade?
This recipe uses 1 cup of fat-free Greek yogurt to keep the dish lighter while providing a tangy base for the marinade.
How do I make the Ginger-Garlic Paste?
Combine 1/2 cup grated garlic, 1/2 cup grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl.
Is this Tikka Masala recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat level due to the minced serrano pepper and aromatic spices like garam masala and paprika.
What is the purpose of grilling the chicken separately?
Grilling provides a perfect char and smoky flavor that complements the robust spices of the Tikka Masala sauce.
How do I achieve a smooth sauce consistency?
Use an immersion blender to purée the simmered tomato and spice mixture until it reaches a smooth texture before adding the chicken.
What are fenugreek leaves?
Also known as Kasuri Methi, these are dried herbs that add a unique nutty and savory depth to the sauce.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served over fluffy basmati rice and accompanied by warm naan bread.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop to achieve similar char marks and flavor.
How do I prepare the serrano pepper?
The pepper should be minced with the seeds removed to prevent the dish from becoming overly spicy.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
For a richer sauce, use heavy cream, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The initial tomato base simmers for 20 minutes to thicken, followed by another 10 minutes once the chicken is added.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a lighter version of the classic dish, utilizing fat-free yogurt, light butter, and olive oil.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
8 diced Roma tomatoes are used to create the fresh and tangy base of the sauce.
Why is tomato paste added to the sauce?
Tomato paste is cooked until darkened to provide a concentrated, deep tomato flavor and a richer color.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with extra artichoke hearts, paneer, or firm tofu cubes.
What garnish is recommended?
Freshly chopped cilantro is used as a garnish to add a burst of color and freshness.
Is it okay if the chicken is undercooked after grilling?
Yes, if it is slightly undercooked after grilling, it will finish cooking thoroughly during the final 10-minute simmer in the sauce.
What is Garam Masala?
Garam Masala is a warming blend of ground spices common in Indian cuisine, typically including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
How much ginger and garlic are required?
The recipe calls for a generous amount—1/2 cup of each—to ensure a bold and aromatic flavor base.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
Freshly grated ginger is highly recommended for the best flavor and authentic texture of the ginger-garlic paste.
What does paprika add to the recipe?
Paprika provides a mild sweetness and helps give the Tikka Masala its iconic vibrant red color.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken Artichoke Tikka Masala?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main recipe is gluten-free, but ensure you serve it with gluten-free sides instead of traditional naan.
How do I prevent the spices from burning?
Sauté the spices for only about a minute until fragrant before adding the liquid components like tomatoes and water.
What if I don't have an immersion blender?
You can carefully transfer the sauce to a standard blender, purée it, and then return it to the skillet.
Why use light butter?
Light butter is used to reduce the overall fat and calorie content of the dish while still providing a buttery flavor.