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Title: How to Make Authentic Chicken Tika Masala at Home | Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:
Chicken Tika Masala is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, and its charm lies in its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and the tender, marinated chicken. As a key component of Indian comfort food, Chicken Tika Masala is a popular choice for family gatherings, special occasions, and everyday meals. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make an authentic Chicken Tika Masala at home, using a blend of spices, herbs, and your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. You can buy them at Buy from BharatBasket or your local Indian grocery store.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of cashew nuts (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chicken butter, coriander powder, cumin powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Add the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add the spices and tomatoes: Add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, cumin powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the cream and cashews (if using): Stir in the heavy cream and cashew nuts (if using) to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish the Chicken Tika Masala with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot over basmati rice or with naan bread.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:
For an added burst of flavor, try serving the Chicken Tika Masala with some of our recommended accompaniments:

• Naan bread or basmati rice
• Chutneys, such as cilantro-lime or tomato-ginger
• Raita (a yogurt and cucumber side dish)
• Pickles, such as mango or lime
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Conclusion:
With its rich, creamy sauce and tender marinated chicken, this Chicken Tika Masala is sure to become a staple in your household. We hope you’ve enjoyed this easy step-by-step guide to making an authentic Chicken Tika Masala at home. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and share your experience with this recipe. And, as always, find all authentic Indian ingredients at BharatBasket and enjoy homemade flavors!