Indulge in britain’s culinary gem: a mouthwatering chicken tikka masala recipe

Chicken tikka masala, a dish that has become an iconic part of British cuisine, is a delectable blend of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Our authentic British chicken tikka masala recipe will guide you through the steps to create this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (500g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Masala Sauce:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes.
2. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
3. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Grilling the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers.
3. Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.

Making the Masala Sauce

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using), and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the coconut milk, chicken stock, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the grilled chicken skewers to the masala sauce.
2. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

Serving

1. Serve the chicken tikka masala hot with rice, naan bread, or your favorite accompaniment.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips

• For a spicier dish, add more green chili pepper to the marinade or sauce.
• If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use regular milk or heavy cream.
• To make the dish vegetarian, substitute tofu or paneer for the chicken.
• For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Serve the chicken tikka masala with a side of raita, a yogurt-based sauce, to cool down the heat.

Variations

• Chicken Tikka Masala with Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or onions to the masala sauce.
• Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala: Add a splash of heavy cream to the masala sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala: Increase the amount of green chili pepper in the marinade and sauce for a spicy kick.
• Butter Chicken Tikka Masala: Add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the masala sauce for a buttery, decadent taste.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
A: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of coconut milk?
A: Yes, you can use regular milk or heavy cream as a substitute for coconut milk.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken tikka masala?
A: Rice, naan bread, or roti are all excellent accompaniments to chicken tikka masala.