Effortless Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe for a Flavourful Meal
Cooking a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala at home may seem like a daunting task, but with this easy and flavourful recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of this classic Indian dish in your own kitchen. Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular and comforting dish that combines succulent pieces of marinated chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. This recipe promises to bring together the bold and vibrant flavours of Indian spices with tender chicken pieces, creating a mouth-watering meal that will surely impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the marinade:
– 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the sauce:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken stock
– 1/2 cup double cream
– Fresh coriander, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
– In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
– Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
– Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for the best flavour.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
– Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
– Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on a lined baking tray.
– Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
3. Preparing the Sauce:
– In a large pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
– Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
– Add the garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, and turmeric, stirring well to combine.
– Pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
– Allow the sauce to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
4. Bringing it all Together:
– Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the double cream, making sure it is well incorporated.
– Gently add the cooked chicken tikka pieces to the sauce, letting them simmer for a few more minutes to absorb the flavours.
– Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
– Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavour. This effortless recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, impressing your loved ones with its authentic taste and aromatic spices. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey to create a truly delectable Chicken Tikka Masala right in your own kitchen.