Recipe of the Week: Chicken Tikka Masala

A heartwarming blend of spices and creamy tomato sauce make Chicken Tikka Masala a beloved comfort food.

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish of grilled chunks of chicken enveloped in a creamy, aromatic tomato sauce. It is believed to have originated in the UK by South Asian immigrants who adapted traditional Indian flavors to local tastes. The comforting spiciness and the rich, velvety sauce make it a dining favorite worldwide, cherished by many as the perfect balance of spice and comfort.

🛒 Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the sauce

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

For serving

• Cooked basmati rice
• Naan bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a large pan, heat the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the chicken tikka masala. Serve hot with basmati rice and warm naan bread for a complete meal.