Craving indian cuisine? try our unbeatable chicken tikka masala recipe with an unforgettable paste

Chicken tikka masala, a beloved dish that tantalizes taste buds worldwide, is a culinary masterpiece that combines the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with a creamy, velvety sauce. This recipe will guide you through the steps of creating this delectable dish using the convenience of chicken tikka masala paste, ensuring a flavorful and authentic experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka Paste:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup garam masala
• 1/4 cup ground cumin
• 1/4 cup ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken Tikka:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup chicken tikka paste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

Making the Chicken Tikka Paste:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the chicken tikka paste.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the paste and mix well to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Preparing the Chicken Tikka:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent.
3. Add the garlic and ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, heavy cream, chicken broth, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked chicken tikka to the sauce and stir gently to combine.
2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the flavors have blended.

Serving:

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges.
2. Serve with your favorite rice or naan bread.

Tips

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili powder in both the paste and the sauce.
• If you don’t have chicken tikka paste, you can make your own by blending together all the ingredients in a food processor.
• You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• To make a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute tofu or paneer for the chicken.
• Leftover chicken tikka masala can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Butter Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of butter to the sauce for a richer flavor.
• Kadai Chicken: Add 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers and 1/4 cup of chopped onions to the sauce.
• Saag Chicken: Add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the sauce for a vibrant green color.

Health Benefits of Chicken Tikka Masala

• High in protein: Chicken is a lean protein that helps build and repair tissues.
• Good source of vitamins and minerals: Chicken tikka masala is a good source of vitamins B6, B12, and D, as well as iron and zinc.
• Contains antioxidants: The spices used in chicken tikka masala, such as garam masala and turmeric, contain antioxidants that help protect the body from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or wings.

Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, cook the chicken tikka in the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or until cooked through. Then, make the sauce separately and add it to the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook on low for an additional 2-3 hours.

Q: How do I make my chicken tikka masala spicier?
A: Add more red chili powder to the paste and the sauce. You can also add chopped green chilies or serrano peppers to the sauce.