Chicken Tikka Masala with Fragrant Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 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 (240g) plain yogurt 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or plain yogurt 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or plain yogurt
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked fragrant basmati rice, for serving Cooked fragrant basmati rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers if grilling.
4. 4.
   Grill or bake the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. 5.
   In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, and turmeric to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant.
7. 7.
   Pour in the tomato puree and stir well to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or yogurt. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. 9.
   Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
10. 10.
    Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over fragrant basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the most tender and flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight in the yogurt and spice mixture. This will help to infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Tomato puree — Use good quality tomato puree for a rich and tangy sauce. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the tomato puree before adding it to the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a chopped green chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• For a healthier version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken over charcoal instead of using an oven or grill pan.
• Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with naan bread or roti for a complete Indian meal experience.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of fragrant basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with warm naan bread or roti for a satisfying and authentic Indian meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional garam masala and a drizzle of cream on top of the Chicken Tikka Masala before serving. Serve it in a vibrant and colorful dish to showcase the rich and aromatic flavors.