Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala, a flavorful and aromatic curry that has become one of the most popular dishes in British cuisine, originated from Indian subcontinent influences. This beloved dish features tender chunks of marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce laced with spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, which give it its signature flavor profile.

Chicken Tikka Masala is typically served over rice or flatbread. Its creamy consistency makes this dish comforting yet exciting to eat. The key to a successful Chicken Tikka Masala lies in the perfect balance between spiciness and sweetness, achieved through careful selection of ingredients and seasoning.

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

For this recipe, we will prepare enough Chicken Tikka Masala for four servings. The total cooking time is approximately 35 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

4 skinless chicken breast halves (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger root, peeled and grated
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, deseeded and pureed
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon oil (such as sunflower or canola)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Salt to taste

To Make the Marinade

Mix together: The yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala powder, coriander powder, minced garlic, grated ginger root, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss them to coat evenly with the marinade.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for best flavor development.

To Make the Sauce

While your chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle and release their aroma.

Add the finely chopped red bell pepper and cook until it becomes slightly soft but not mushy—about 5 minutes.

Now, stir in the pureed tomatoes and bring everything to a simmer. Let this mixture thicken for about 10 minutes before adding salt to taste.

To Assemble the Chicken Tikka Masala

After your chicken has marinated sufficiently (about two hours), thread it onto skewers if using, or simply pat excess marinade off of each piece. Add these pieces into the simmering sauce and reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let the chicken cook until fully cooked through—typically around 12-15 minutes.

Once your chicken is tender, check for doneness by piercing it with a fork; if there’s no pink meat remaining inside, you're good to go! Stir occasionally throughout this process so that all pieces get equal cooking time and heat distribution.

Serving Suggestions

For serving, the Chicken Tikka Masala pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or naan bread. Garnish it liberally with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving if desired for a pop of freshness and color.

Nutritional Information per Serving (Approximate)

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat Content: 18 g
Saturated Fatty Acids: 6 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 15 g
Protein Content: 30 g

Note: Serving sizes may vary depending on individual preferences and portion control practices. Adjust accordingly as needed.

Conclusion

The Chicken Tikka Masala is not only delicious but also highly adaptable to different tastes based on the spices used or adjustments made during preparation. Whether you're a fan of mild flavors or prefer something spicier, this versatile dish caters well across various spectrums.

Enjoy your cooking and dining experience! Remember that proper seasoning and patience are crucial when making Chicken Tikka Masala to bring out the authentic taste that people love so much.