Chicken Tikka Masala

December 6, 2011

Chicken Tikka Masala is made from chunks of chicken marinated and baked in a spiced yogurt sauce, then tossed in creamy tomato curry. Try our recipe for this hearty Indian-inspired dish, a mealtime favorite in Britain and beyond.

Chicken Tikka Masala
Serves 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
3 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red chili pepper, de-seeded and minced
2 tablespoons garam masala*
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons tomato puree
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups plain yogurt
3 large skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Salt, to taste

*Tip: Find garam masala in the spice or international aisle of your local grocery store. This popular Indian spice blend is typically a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, coriander and black pepper.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Warm a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then add olive oil. Add mustard seeds, ginger, garlic and red chili pepper to the pan and reduce heat to medium.
3. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the garam masala and onion. Cook until onion is translucent, then add tomato puree, stirring to coat vegetables and spices.
4. Add coriander and cumin, then slowly pour in whipping cream while stirring.
5. Remove from heat and transfer half of the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in yogurt, then add chicken chunks, tossing to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
6. Place chicken mixture in an oven-safe casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
7. While chicken is baking, re-heat the remaining half of the masala mixture over medium-low heat.
8. Add tomato sauce and salt to taste. Simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
9. Once chicken is cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces and stir it (and the marinade) into the masala mixure. Simmer for 10 minutes over low heat.
10. Serve hot with a side of short grain white rice.

If you like this article, you might also like:

Home Made Simple TV Series
See this week's projects »

Squeeze more out of an orange.
Take your pick »

Recent Inspiration

Home Made Simple Marketplace

COME ON IN

Connect with friends to SELL, SHOP & IDEA SWAP

on facebook »

Inspiration Meets Conversation

Previous statement Next statement

Join our community for daily inspiration & advice for home.
Get solutions, deals, and cleaning tips directly from home experts.
Visit our channel for quick and easy how-to videos.
Sign up for our free emails & get the latest recipes, projects and special offers.
Subscribe to our feeds & receive automatic updates on your favorite content.