Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
If you’re in the mood for something that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Easy Chicken Tikka Masala. This dish, with its tender chicken simmered in a rich and creamy sauce, is perfect for dinner any night of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan bread, and you have a feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Reasons to Love Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Easy Chicken Tikka Masala. For starters, it’s incredibly flavorful thanks to the blend of spices that create a warm and inviting aroma. It’s also versatile; you can adjust the spice levels to fit your taste or even swap out chicken for vegetables or paneer for a vegetarian twist. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul, making it a go-to recipe for chilly nights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredient Rundown
To create this Easy Chicken Tikka Masala, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking.
- 1 cup plain yogurt – This tenderizes the chicken and adds a creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Earthy flavor that’s essential to Indian cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder – For a mild heat and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon tandoori masala – A blend of spices that adds depth.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper – Ground for a bit of a kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger – Minced for a zesty flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced to enhance the overall aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To season the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1 clove garlic – Minced for the sauce, enhancing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder – Additional for the sauce for color and taste.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Adds more depth to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons paprika – For color and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garam masala – A warm spice blend that brings everything together.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (or Passata) – Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that creamy finish.
- Salt (to taste) – Adjust according to preference.
- Fresh cilantro – For garnish, adding freshness.
- Cooked rice – Perfect to soak up the sauce.
- Naan bread – Ideal for dipping and enjoying every last bit.
Gear Up: What to Grab
Before you dive into cooking, make sure you have these essentials on hand:
- Large mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken.
- Skillet or Dutch oven – For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – To measure out those spices accurately.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping chicken and aromatics.
- Serving dishes – For plating your beautiful tikka masala.
Directions: Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Getting your Easy Chicken Tikka Masala from the countertop to your table is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, Kashmiri chili powder, tandoori masala, black pepper, minced ginger, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well. Add the chicken thighs and stir until the chicken is well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add another minced clove of garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the second teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to toast for a minute.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Cream
Pour in the tomato sauce (or Passata) and stir to incorporate with the spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve your Easy Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of cooked rice and alongside warm naan bread for dipping.
Ingredient Flex Options
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Chicken alternatives: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or even shrimp for a different protein.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with paneer, chickpeas, or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and cauliflower.
- Spice levels: Adjust the amount of Kashmiri chili powder to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your Chicken Tikka Masala turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t skip the marinating step! The yogurt not only flavors the chicken but also helps keep it tender.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken when searing it; it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning slowly; it’s easier to add more salt than to fix an over-salted dish.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving; it allows the flavors to deepen.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Leftover Easy Chicken Tikka Masala stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much. For meal prep, this dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may require careful cooking to prevent it from drying out. Thighs are more forgiving and remain tender.
What can I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice or warm naan bread. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors improve with time, so you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can easily be adjusted. Kashmiri chili powder offers a mild heat, but feel free to add more or less according to your taste preferences.
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Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to bring the flavors of India into your kitchen with this Easy Chicken Tikka Masala. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, Kashmiri chili powder, tandoori masala, black pepper, minced ginger, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well. Add the chicken thighs and stir until the chicken is well coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another minced clove of garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the second teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to toast for a minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce (or Passata) and stir to incorporate with the spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve your Easy Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of cooked rice and alongside warm naan bread for dipping.
Notes
- Don’t skip the marinating step! The yogurt keeps the chicken tender.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken when searing it; it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning slowly; it’s easier to add more salt than to fix an over-salted dish.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving; it allows the flavors to deepen.
