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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

cookinglanka.com
Tender marinated chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based masala sauce with aromatic spices for a rich and flavorful Indian-style meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Custom Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For The Chicken Tikka:

  • 500 g boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For The Masala Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions
 

Marinate The Chicken:

  • Add the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and oil to a bowl. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.

Rest The Chicken:

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for several hours.

Cook The Chicken:

  • Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Prepare The Masala:

  • Melt the butter in the same pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden.

Add Garlic, Ginger, And Spices:

  • Stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute, then add cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook briefly until fragrant.

Add The Tomatoes:

  • Pour in the tomato puree and water. Stir well and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add The Cream:

  • Reduce the heat and stir in the cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling vigorously.

Combine The Chicken:

  • Add the cooked chicken to the masala sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.

Garnish And Serve:

  • Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice, naan, roti, or chapati.
Keyword Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, Creamy Chicken Curry, Easy Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Curry, Indian-Style Chicken, Tikka Masala, Tomato Chicken Curry