Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and paprika. Add the cubed chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place the marinated chicken pieces on it. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat. Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over basmati rice. Enjoy!
Notes:
For a spicier version, add more chili powder or a chopped green chili to the sauce. You can also grill the chicken for a smokier flavor.
Nutritional Information:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 550 kcal |
Fat | 30g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Protein | 40g |
User Reviews:
Rachel B.: "So flavorful! This was even better than the tikka masala from my favorite restaurant."
David M.: "The sauce was rich and creamy, and the chicken was perfectly tender. Will definitely make this again."