Best Chicken Tikka Masala

This recipe is easy to make - chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato cream sauce. You can either serve with rice or warm pita bread.


Prep Time: 30 min    Cook Time: 50 min    Total Time: 2 hs 20 min   Additional Time: 1 h   Yield: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 4 long skewers
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 2

Preheat a grill for high heat.

Step 3

Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.

Step 4

Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tip

You can use aluminum foil to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.