Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 3 chicken thighs (cubed)
• 0.25 cup yogurt (plain, for marinade)
• 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste (divided (half for marinade, half for sauce))
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• salt (to taste, divided)
• 1 tsp garam masala (for marinade and sauce)
• 1 onion (finely diced)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing chicken)
• 2 tbsp ghee (for sautéing onions)
• 2 Thai green chilies (chopped)
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust for heat level)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• coriander (fresh, chopped for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken thighs, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, and seasonings (such as garam masala). Mix thoroughly with your hands to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

2. 2

   Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

3. 3

   Prepare the onion by cutting it in half and removing the ends. Cut vertical lines across the onion, followed by 2-3 horizontal lines, then dice finely.

4. 4

   Heat a pan over medium-high to high heat and add a tiny bit of oil. Once the pan is very hot, add the chicken and sear until it has a good brown crust all around. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

5. 5

   In the same pan over medium-high heat, add the ghee and the chopped onions. Add a tiny bit of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.

6. 6

   Cook the onions for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.

7. 7

   Add the remaining seasonings, chopped Thai green chilies, and ginger garlic paste. Mix and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

8. 8

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and chili powder.

9. 9

   Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and thickens significantly.

10. 10

    Optionally add any remaining marinade to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and add the par-cooked chicken back into the pan.

11. 11

    Mix everything together and cook for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking the chicken and meld the flavors.

12. 12

    Top with fresh chopped coriander and serve hot.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight is highly recommended for the best flavor. The 'following seasonings' mentioned in the transcript typically include garam masala, turmeric, and cumin in Indian cooking.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• Indian
• chicken
• spicy
• creamy
• stew