Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: Chicken Tikka Masala is a crowd-pleaser that showcases the art of balancing spices to create a dish that is both complex and comforting. Demonstrating this recipe on your channel allows you to share essential techniques for marinating, grilling, and creating a rich sauce. It’s a great way to introduce viewers to the nuances of Indian-inspired cooking while highlighting the global appeal of this dish.
Description: Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish that combines marinated, grilled chicken pieces (tikka) with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce (masala). This recipe is a fusion of Indian and British culinary traditions, resulting in a dish that’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and is best served with basmati rice or naan bread.
Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Serving size: Serves 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, salt, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers or place directly on the grill pan.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until golden brown and soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Dish:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to become rich and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or both.
Final Thoughts: Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that brings together the best of both Indian and British culinary traditions. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and aromatic spices make it a favorite worldwide. By sharing this recipe on your cooking channel, you’ll not only showcase a beloved classic but also teach viewers how to master essential cooking techniques. This dish is sure to impress and inspire your audience to explore more of the world’s culinary delights.
