Recipe

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How to Make Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala at Home | Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that’s close to the hearts of Indians and Brits alike. Its popularity transcends borders, and it’s no wonder why. The combination of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and smoky chicken is a match made in heaven. As a fan of this classic Indian dish, I’m excited to share my recipe with you, and who knows, maybe you’ll become the next master chef of Chicken Tikka Masala!

Ingredients List

For this recipe, you’ll need:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

You can find all the ingredients, including the spices, at Buy from BharatBasket.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the chicken until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, canned tomatoes, butter, flour, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  5. Add the heavy cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice, naan bread, or with some crusty bread. You can also add some chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor and color. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or portobello mushrooms.

Conclusion

And that’s it! You now have a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala recipe to share with your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices and mix-ins to make it your own. And remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right.

Find all authentic Indian ingredients at BharatBasket.com and enjoy the flavors of India in the comfort of your own kitchen. Happy cooking!