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Chicken Tikka Masala

A close-up of tender chicken tikka masala pieces simmering in a rich, red sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.

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Enjoy tender, spiced grilled chicken in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. This recipe brings authentic Indian restaurant flavors to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Preheat your oven broiler or grill. Thread chicken onto skewers or place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil or grill for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and lightly charred.
  3. While chicken cooks, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in heavy cream until well combined. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne pepper.
  • If you don’t have chicken thighs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but be careful not to overcook them.
  • This recipe is a great option for a flavorful weeknight meal, similar to what you might find from top meal delivery services.

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