Craving some Indian-inspired comfort food without the long prep time? This quick and easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is just what you need.
With tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, it brings all the flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish will have you coming back for seconds.
Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Finely chop ginger and garlic using a food processor, then add and finely chop the onion.
- Mix the chicken pieces with 1 1/2 teaspoons of garam masala and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- In a skillet with heated olive oil, cook the chicken for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, then set aside.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the onion mixture for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, remaining garam masala, paprika, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 30 seconds while stirring constantly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt, and cook until the mixture is hot and thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to warm for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat and mix in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice before serving.
Ingredients
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic
- Yellow onion
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 1/2 teaspoons Garam Masala (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1444 | Calories from Fat: 432 | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 440mg | Sodium: 2008mg | Potassium: 5396mg | Carbohydrates: 80g | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 40g | Protein: 152g | Vitamin A: 4320IU | Vitamin C: 99.2mg | Calcium: 448mg | Iron: 14.4mg
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought garam masala for this recipe?
- While you can use store-bought garam masala, making your own blend is recommended for a more consistent flavor since commercial mixes can vary greatly in spice combinations.
- What is a suitable substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe?
- If you prefer a richer sauce, you can substitute Greek yogurt with heavy cream. Just ensure the sauce is thickened first or mix in a little cornstarch with the cream to prevent it from being too runny.
- How do I adjust the sauce consistency using canned tomatoes?
- The thickness of canned crushed tomatoes can differ by brand. For thicker tomatoes, add a bit of water to thin the sauce if necessary. For thinner tomatoes, simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
- Can I prepare the spice blend in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the garam masala spice blend ahead of time. The recipe provided makes enough for four batches of chicken tikka masala, saving time on future preparations.
- What are some side dishes that go well with Chicken Tikka Masala?
- Popular side dishes to accompany Chicken Tikka Masala include basmati rice and naan bread. These sides complement the dish and help soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Create Your Own Garam Masala: Crafting your own spice blend can enhance the dish’s flavor. Prepare a mix of cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend will serve you for multiple batches, saving time in future cooking sessions.
- Adjusting Tomato Consistency: Canned crushed tomatoes can vary in thickness. If your tomatoes are watery, let the sauce simmer longer to thicken, or add cornstarch. For thicker tomatoes, consider adding a bit of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Creamy Alternative: To make the dish richer, try substituting a portion of the Greek yogurt with heavy cream. This will provide a creamier texture while maintaining the dish’s delicious taste.
- Efficient Cooking Process: Use a food processor to finely chop ginger, garlic, and onion, saving you time on preparation and ensuring even cooking.
Equipment
- Food processor – for pulsing ginger, garlic, and onion.
- Large skillet – for cooking the chicken and sauce.
