Chicken Tikka Masala

 Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

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For the Chicken Tikka:

Ø  1.5 pounds (700 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Ø  1 cup plain yogurt

Ø  2 tablespoons lemon juice

Ø  2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Ø  2 tablespoons Tikka masala spice blend (store-bought or homemade)

Ø  1 teaspoon ground cumin

Ø  1 teaspoon ground paprika

Ø  1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Ø  1 teaspoon ground coriander

Ø  1 teaspoon ground ginger

Ø  1 teaspoon garlic powder

Ø  1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Masala Sauce:

Ø  2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Ø  1 large onion, finely chopped

Ø  3 cloves of garlic, minced

Ø  1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Ø  1 tablespoon Tikka masala spice blend

Ø  1 teaspoon ground cumin

Ø  1 teaspoon ground paprika

Ø  1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Ø  1 teaspoon ground coriander

Ø  1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ø  1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes

Ø  1 cup heavy cream

Ø  1/2 cup water

Ø  Salt, to taste

Ø  Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

 Instructions:

v  In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, Tikka masala spice blend, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, ginger, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.

v  Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.

v  Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a grill, skewer the marinated chicken pieces.

v  Cook the chicken on the grill or in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred. If using the oven, place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

v  While the chicken is cooking, prepare the masala sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and lightly golden.

v  Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.

v  Add the Tikka masala spice blend, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onion mixture with the spices.

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v  Pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and water. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste.

v  Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the masala sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the sauce.

v  Simmer the chicken tikka masala in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

v  Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

v  Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over steamed rice or with naan bread.

Note: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt on top as a garnish, if desired.

Enjoy your Chicken Tikka Masala!