Indulge in the aromatic delight of chicken tikka masala recipe for 4: a culinary masterpiece

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala, a delectable dish that transports you to the vibrant streets of India. This mouthwatering recipe serves four, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all to yourself.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can of coconut milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to coat the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken:
1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Make the Sauce:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté until softened.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
1. Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.

Serve:
1. Garnish with cilantro leaves and lemon wedges.
2. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Tips:

• For a spicier dish, add more red chili powder to taste.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• To make the sauce ahead of time, simply prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the grilled chicken.

Variations:

• Add chopped bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for extra vegetables.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Stir in a tablespoon of mango chutney for a sweet and tangy twist.

Health Benefits:

Chicken Tikka Masala is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

• Chicken is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids.
• Yogurt contains probiotics, which support gut health.
• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger aids in digestion.

The Perfect Pairing:

Chicken Tikka Masala pairs perfectly with:

• Basmati rice
• Naan bread
• Raita
• Mango lassi

In a nutshell:

Indulge in the exotic flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala and elevate your dining experience to new heights. This delectable recipe for four is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use a different type of yogurt in the marinade?
A: Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for plain yogurt.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or as long as overnight.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala?
A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Tikka Masala for up to 3 months. Simply let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over medium heat.

Q: What is the best way to serve Chicken Tikka Masala?
A: Chicken Tikka Masala is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with raita or mango lassi for a complete meal.

Q: Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make Chicken Tikka Masala in a slow cooker. Simply combine the chicken and marinade in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Then, prepare the sauce and add it to the slow cooker with the chicken. Cook for an additional hour on low, or until the sauce has thickened.