HOW TO MEKE CHICKAN TIKKA MASALA

Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish consisting of grilled chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy. It’s a rich and aromatic dish that pairs well with rice or naan bread. Here’s a recipe for making Chicken Tikka Masala:

Ingredients:

For the chicken tikka:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend (readily available in stores or homemade)
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the gravy:

• 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, tikka masala spice blend, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin powder, paprika or red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill or bake them until they are cooked through and slightly charred. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the heat source.
4. In a large pan or skillet, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown and caramelized.
5. Add ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and paprika or red chili powder. Cook the spices for a minute to release their flavors.
7. Add the diced tomatoes or tomato puree to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
8. Reduce the heat to low and add the grilled chicken tikka pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the tomato-based gravy.
9. Pour in the heavy cream or yogurt, and simmer the chicken tikka in the gravy for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the salt to taste.
10. Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and give it a final stir. Remove from heat.
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
12. Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!