Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 4 Boneless chicken breasts (Cubed)
• Salt (For the marinade, to taste)
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tbsp Coriander powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tbsp Cumin powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tbsp Chicken tikka masala spice blend (Shan; for the marinade)
• 1 tsp Garam masala (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp Turmeric (For the marinade)
• 0.25 cup Yogurt (For the marinade)
• Lemon juice (Juice of 1/2 lemon)
• 2 tbsp Oil (For the gravy)
• 3 Green chillies (Use 3–4, chopped)
• 1 Medium onion (Chopped)
• 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste (For the gravy)
• 0.25 cup Butter or ghee (For the gravy)
• 1 cup Tomato puree (For the gravy)
• 2 tbsp Chicken tikka masala spice blend (Shan; for the gravy)
• 0.25 cup Heavy cream (For finishing the gravy)
• Salt (For the gravy, to taste)
• Water (A splash, if needed while simmering)
• Fresh cilantro (For garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the cubed chicken with the salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, chicken tikka masala, garam masala, turmeric, yogurt, and lemon juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Pan-fry the marinated chicken until lightly charred and about 70% cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. 3

   In the same pan, heat the oil.

4. 4

   Add the chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and green chillies. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the tomato puree and chicken tikka masala. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the masala deepens in color and thickens.

6. 6

   Blend the sauce until smooth to create a restaurant-style texture.

7. 7

   Return the blended sauce to the pan and add the butter or ghee. Stir to incorporate it.

8. 8

   Add the chicken back to the pan and stir until it is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

9. 9

   Simmer the chicken and sauce for a few minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.

10. 10

    Stir in the heavy cream and let the curry gently simmer until the sauce is silky and rich.

11. 11

    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with naan, roti, or basmati rice.

Notes

The source does not specify the pan-frying temperature, exact cooking time for the chicken, or the amount of water and cilantro. Adjust salt to taste. Serve with naan, roti, or basmati rice.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• curry
• South Asian
• chicken
• stovetop
• spicy
• gluten-free