Delicious and Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally, overnight.
2. Preheat your grill or oven broiler. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through and slightly charred, about 15 minutes. You can also cook the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until it’s cooked and browned on all sides. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet or pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, and paprika. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices become fragrant.
6. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, including their juice. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken.
7. Reduce the heat to low, then add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk and stir until the sauce is well combined. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish your Chicken Tikka Masala with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of Chicken Tikka Masala!