Chicken • A family favorite
2020 CookbookChicken Tikka Masala
- Heat
- See method
- Time
- 15 min + chill
- Makes
- Not recorded
Melody and I love Indian food and wanted to make this for a curry party we had a couple years back. It was a hit at the party and has become a favorite in our house, especially after living in India for a while. You can adjust the spice levels if you like the
01
Ingredients
- chicken with less spice or heat. For the Chicken -
- ½ cup whole milk yogurt
- 1-½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (okay to substitute curry powder)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch chunks
02
Method
- 01
For the Sauce - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon grated or finely chopped fresh ginger 1 ¾ teaspoons garam masala (okay to substitute curry powder) 1 ¾ teaspoons ground coriander 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes 1-¼ cups heavy cream 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 02
Directions: In a bowl large enough to hold the chicken, whisk together the yogurt, salt and spices.
- 03
Add the chicken and mix until it is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- 04
Preheat the broiler and set an oven rack in the top position. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top; spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- 05
Place the chicken on the prepared rack, spooning any marinade left in the bowl over the chicken. Broil for 7 to 8 minutes, until browned on top. (The chicken does not need to be flipped over.) While the chicken cooks, start the sauce.
- 06
To make the sauce: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pan. Add the onions and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Do not brown; reduce the heat if necessary. Add the spices and cook 2 minutes more. Add the tomatoes, heavy cream, salt, sugar, pepper and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (I usually add a bit more salt and sugar).
- 07
Add the broiled chicken to the sauce and simmer until the chicken is warmed through and fully cooked, a few minutes. Sprinkle the cilantro over the chicken and serve with buttered Indian basmati rice and/or naan.
- 08
Make Ahead: Feel free to make this dish entirely ahead of time. Reheat the chicken in the sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.