Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a mouthwatering Indian dish with smoky grilled chicken, a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, and a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe provides the perfect balance of flavor and heat, making it an unforgettable meal for any occasion. Learn how to make this restaurant-quality Chicken Tikka Masala with step-by-step instructions for a delicious, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
5 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (breasts, legs, or a mix), skin removed
3 tablespoons toasted ground cumin
3 tablespoons toasted paprika
2 tablespoons toasted ground coriander seed
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 cloves garlic, grated on the medium holes of a box grater, divided
3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated on the medium holes of a box grater, divided
2 cups yogurt
3/4 cup fresh juice from 4 to 6 whole lemons, divided
Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use about half as much by volume
4 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, roughly mashed
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken: Combine spices, garlic, ginger, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken and coat it well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
-
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and charred. Set aside.
-
Make the Sauce: Melt butter in a pan, sauté the remaining garlic and ginger, then add onions and cook until golden. Add mashed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro.
-
Finish the Dish: Add grilled chicken to the pan, then stir in the cream. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is coated.
-
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
You can substitute boneless chicken if preferred.
For a vegetarian version, use paneer or vegetables like cauliflower.
For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a non-dairy alternative.
For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
