Greek-style Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

While the original Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is known for its bold spices and aromatic flavors, the Greek adaptation brings a lighter touch to the dish. We have incorporated Greek herbs such as oregano and thyme, and replaced some of the traditional Indian spices with Mediterranean flavors like garlic and lemon. The result is a harmonious blend of Indian and Greek cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato passata 1 cup (240ml) tomato passata
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and lemon zest. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato passata and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the creamy tomato sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Greek-style Chicken Tikka Masala over steamed rice or with warm pita bread. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Greek yogurt — Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Tomato passata — If you can't find passata, you can substitute it with tomato puree or crushed tomatoes.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before garnishing to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors develop even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of fluffy rice or with warm pita bread. Accompany it with a refreshing Greek salad and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a truly Greek dining experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an appetizing presentation. Serve it in a colorful ceramic bowl or on a rustic wooden platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.