Indulge in homemade chicken tikka masala in just 30 minutes: master the art of speedy indian cuisine

Craving the tantalizing flavors of chicken tikka masala but short on time? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will show you how to make this beloved dish in a flash, without sacrificing any of its delectable taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies:

• In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until softened.

4. Add the Tomatoes and Coconut Milk:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Return the Chicken:

• Add the browned chicken back to the skillet.
• Stir to combine.

6. Simmer:

• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

7. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and heavy cream.
• Gradually whisk this mixture into the sauce.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened.

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Serve with rice, naan bread, or your favorite sides.

Tips for Speeding Up the Process

• Use Pre-Cut Chicken: Save time by purchasing pre-cut chicken cubes.
• Microwave the Chicken: If you’re in a real hurry, you can microwave the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Use a Pressure Cooker: Pressure cookers can significantly reduce the cooking time for the chicken and the sauce.
• Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for later use.
• Use a Slow Cooker: If you have more time, you can cook the chicken and the sauce in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
• Creamy: Add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable: Substitute the chicken with vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes for a vegetarian version.

The Perfect Accompaniments

• Rice: Serve the chicken tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice.
• Naan Bread: Tear off pieces of warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Raita: Balance the flavors with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt raita.
• Salad: Add a side salad to lighten up the meal.

The Verdict

With this quick and easy recipe, you can now enjoy the authentic flavors of chicken tikka masala in a fraction of the time. So, next time you crave this beloved dish, don’t let time be an obstacle. Follow these simple steps and indulge in a flavorful feast in no time!

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

2. How do I store the chicken tikka masala?

• Store the chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze the chicken tikka masala?

• Yes, you can freeze the chicken tikka masala for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What if I don’t have coconut milk?

• You can substitute the coconut milk with an equal amount of plain yogurt or heavy cream.

5. How can I make the chicken tikka masala vegan?

• Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan sauce.