Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This Indian classic is a little spicy, a little creamy and a whole lot of delicious! The chicken is marinated in yogurt, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and ginger, then grilled and simmered in a tomato-based creamy masala sauce. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon garam masala

For the masala sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 can (14-ounce) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken and the marinade ingredients. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and grill it until it is cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and caramelized. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the turmeric, cumin, paprika, and garam masala and stir to combine. Toast the spices for a minute or two, then stir in the crushed tomatoes.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce is thickened and fragrant.
6. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or in a blender until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the grilled chicken to the creamy masala sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld. Serve over basmati rice and garnish with cilantro.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala! It's a classic Indian dish with a unique blend of spices that will always leave you satisfied. The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor, while the creamy masala sauce balances out the spice. This recipe is also great for meal prep as you can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.