Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

While the original Chicken Tikka Masala is known for its bold and robust flavors, this haute cuisine adaptation focuses on enhancing the dish's presentation and refining the cooking techniques. The ingredients remain true to the essence of the original, but the preparation and presentation elevate it to a whole new level of sophistication. 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 lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 14g)
• Carbohydrates: 9g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. 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.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
4. 4.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Add the baked chicken pieces to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over steamed basmati rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For a more tender and flavorful result, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Greek yogurt — Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to achieve a creamy and rich marinade.
• Tomato puree — Use high-quality tomato puree for a vibrant and well-balanced sauce.
• Spices — Toasting the ground spices in a dry skillet before adding them to the marinade will enhance their flavors.
• Cilantro — Add fresh cilantro just before serving to bring a burst of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken instead of baking it.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish with a drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of paprika.
• For a healthier option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop further.

Serving advice

Serve the elevated Chicken Tikka Masala with a side of fragrant saffron rice and a dollop of tangy mango chutney. The vibrant colors and exquisite flavors will impress your guests and make for a memorable dining experience.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of this dish, arrange the chicken tikka pieces on a bed of saffron-infused rice. Drizzle the creamy tomato sauce over the chicken and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro. Serve it on a white plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.