Chicken Tikka Masala: A Delicious and Easy Indian Dish

Chicken tikka masala is a delicious and easy Indian dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is made with chicken that has been marinated in yogurt and spices, and then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. The dish is typically served with rice or naan bread.

I first had chicken tikka masala when I was in college. I was at a restaurant with some friends, and we decided to order it as an appetizer. We were all blown away by how delicious it was! The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and the sauce was so creamy and rich. We all agreed that we had to learn how to make it ourselves.

I found a recipe online, and I tried it out at home. It turned out even better than the restaurant version! My friends and family all loved it, and I have been making it ever since.

Here is the recipe for my chicken tikka masala:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 
  1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Add the chicken and its marinade to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Stir in the cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.

Tips and Tricks:

• If you don't have garam masala, you can substitute a mixture of 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

• You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

• If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk.

• To make the dish ahead of time, prepare the chicken and its marinade as directed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and its marinade and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the cilantro and serve.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for chicken tikka masala! It is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.