Soulful Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

While the original Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is traditionally prepared with yogurt and served with rice or naan, our Soulful Chicken Tikka Masala incorporates elements of soul food. We enhance the dish by adding a touch of smokiness with grilled chicken and infusing it with the warmth of Southern spices. Additionally, we serve it with a side of creamy grits to create a unique and satisfying fusion experience. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, so you can check it out.

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and grill until cooked through and slightly charred, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the spice mixture to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
6. 6.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth.
8. 8.
   Return the sauce to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Add the grilled chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
10. 10.
    Serve the Soulful Chicken Tikka Masala over creamy grits, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender.
• Buttermilk — If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Smoked paprika — If you prefer a milder smoky flavor, you can use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika.
• Grits — For a creamier texture, use stone-ground grits and follow the package instructions for cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of smokiness, you can grill the onions before adding them to the skillet.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper.
• For a creamier sauce, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This dish pairs well with a side of collard greens or cornbread.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of creamy grits, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, arrange the grilled chicken pieces on top of the creamy grits and drizzle the sauce over them. Sprinkle some paprika or smoked paprika on top for an extra touch of color.