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chicken tikka masala recipe

Perfect Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy, spiced chicken tikka masala features tender marinated chicken in a rich, velvety tomato sauce for a comforting Indian-inspired dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 ounces tikka paste
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 4 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large tomato cut into eight sections
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 15-20 cashews cashews ground

Equipment

  • bamboo skewers
  • Oven
  • Pan
  • spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and mix thoroughly with tikka paste and plain yogurt. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours.
  2. Thread marinated chicken onto bamboo skewers and broil in the oven for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until charred and almost cooked through.
  3. While the chicken broils, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and fry for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add garlic paste and ginger paste; stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in turmeric, ground coriander, cumin, chili powder, and garam masala; cook for 2-3 minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Mix the remaining marinade with 1/2 cup lukewarm water and slowly add to the pan, allowing about half to evaporate.
  7. Add tomato sections and salt; cook until tomatoes begin to soften.
  8. Stir in ground cashews and heavy cream, then add the broiled chicken pieces.
  9. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Notes

For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for the full 6 hours.