Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala
This Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings together tender grilled chicken marinated in a blend of fragrant spices and creamy tomato sauce. Originating from Indian cuisine, this dish features the smoky flavors of grilled chicken combined with a rich, spiced sauce that will awaken your taste buds. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of heat and flavor—but proceed with caution if you're sensitive to spice! If desired, you can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper and removing the seeds from the jalapeño. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up the delectable sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
plain yogurt
1 cup
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
ground cumin
2 teaspoons
ground red pepper
2 teaspoons
black pepper
2 teaspoons
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
ginger
1 piece (1-inch long) (minced)
bamboo skewers
6 (6-inch) (soaked in water)
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
jalapeno chile
1 (minced)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons
paprika
1 teaspoon
garam masala
1 teaspoon (buy in Indian market)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
tomato sauce
1 (8-ounce) can
whipping cream
1 cup
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground red pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, salt, and minced ginger to create the marinade.
3
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably longer for enhanced flavor.
4
Once marinated, discard the marinade and thread the chicken onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
5
Preheat your grill or broiler; grill or broil the chicken skewers, turning occasionally, until cooked through (approximately 8 minutes).
6
Meanwhile, to prepare the sauce, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
7
Add the minced garlic and jalapeño to the pan, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
8
Stir in ground coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt, allowing the spices to bloom for another minute.
9
Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine, and simmer for 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
10
Stir in the whipping cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
11
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the skewers and add it to the sauce. Simmer together for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
12
To serve, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and pair with basmati rice, naan, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala?
It is a dish featuring tender grilled chicken marinated in fragrant spices, served in a rich and creamy spiced tomato sauce originating from Indian cuisine.
How long should I soak the bamboo skewers?
Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during the grilling process.
What ingredients are used in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground red pepper, black pepper, cinnamon, salt, and minced ginger.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though longer is preferred for enhanced flavor.
How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?
After marinating, thread the chicken onto skewers and grill or broil it for approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
How can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper used and removing the seeds from the jalape o.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes.
What ingredients are needed for the tikka masala sauce?
The sauce requires unsalted butter, garlic, jalape o, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, salt, tomato sauce, and whipping cream.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer initially?
The tomato sauce should simmer with the spices for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When do I add the whipping cream to the sauce?
Stir in the whipping cream after the tomato sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, then let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
What should I serve with Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala?
This dish is best served with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or pita bread to soak up the sauce.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the final dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Where can I find garam masala?
The recipe suggests purchasing garam masala at an Indian market.
How long does the final simmering process take?
Once the cooked chicken is added to the sauce, simmer everything together for an additional 5 minutes.
What size should the bamboo skewers be?
The recipe recommends using six 6-inch bamboo skewers.
What spices are 'bloomed' in the butter?
Ground coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt are stirred into the butter and cooked for one minute to bloom.
Can I use a broiler if I don't have a grill?
Yes, the instructions state that you can either grill or broil the chicken skewers.
How much tomato sauce is required?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much ginger is used in the marinade?
Use one 1-inch long piece of ginger, minced.
Is the chicken cooked on the skewers in the sauce?
No, the chicken is cooked on skewers first, then removed from the skewers before being added to the sauce.
What is the role of the yogurt in this recipe?
Plain yogurt is used as the primary base for the marinade to tenderize the chicken and hold the spices.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It features a smoky flavor from grilled chicken balanced with a rich, spiced, and creamy heat.
Is there cinnamon in Chicken Tikka Masala?
Yes, this specific recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in the chicken marinade.
How much whipping cream is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of whipping cream to achieve the signature creamy sauce.
What is the preparation for the jalape o?
The jalape o should be minced before being added to the saucepan with the butter and garlic.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 20 individual ingredients listed for this Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; while fresh is often preferred, bottled juice can be used.
What is the recommended cooking heat for the sauce?
The sauce should be prepared over medium heat in a medium saucepan.
Is salt added twice in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon is used in the chicken marinade and another 1/2 teaspoon is used in the sauce.