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

As an Indian, I grew up on the rich, complex flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish that never fails to bring people together. This aromatic, slow-cooked curry is a staple of Indian cuisine, and its popularity has spread worldwide, earning its place in many a heart. In this post, I’ll share my secret to making authentic Chicken Tikka Masala at home, with a little help from BharatBasket.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Buy from BharatBasket:

• Buy Ghee
• Buy Coriander
• Buy Cumin

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, ghee or oil, garam masala powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
6. Add the tomato puree and cook for 1 minute, until the mixture is well combined.
7. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
8. Stir in the coconut milk, cilantro, and any remaining marinade. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

• Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint chutney, or raita (a yogurt and cucumber sauce).
• Experiment with different spices, such as cumin, coriander, or cayenne pepper, to suit your taste.
• Add some crunch with toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds.

Conclusion:

Now that you have the secret to making authentic Chicken Tikka Masala, go ahead and give it a try! Share your experiences and variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out BharatBasket for all the ingredients you need to make this dish. Happy cooking, and until next time, namaste!

"Find all authentic Indian ingredients at BharatBasket.com and enjoy homemade flavors!"