Tikka Masala
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Tikka masala is a popular and flavorful Indian dish known around the world for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, that is broiled until lightly charred.
I tried to control the heat of this dish, but it is still pretty spicy! It is delicious, but you will definitely want to have a cold drink and some Homemade Naan ready!
Maybe it is just me, I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to spicy foods. I’m sure my son will add hot sauce to it to kick up the heat! If you and your family prefer hot and spicy, go ahead and double the jalapeno and/or add more cayenne! Go on, I double dog dare ya!
How to make Tikka Masala:
Start by mixing the marinade together in a bowl…..
Place the chicken thighs in a large, zipper topped bag, and add the marinade…..
Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken…..
Place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to marinate.
Melt butter in a heavy, bottom pan {Dutch oven}. Add the onion, reduce the heat the medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes until soft…..
Stir in the jalapeno, coriander, cumin, garam masala, garlic, and ginger…..
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the jalapeno. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper…..
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place chicken on a foil lined baking sheet…..
Bake for 15 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil chicken just until lightly charred…..
Remove from oven, and allow to set for 5 to 10 minutes.
Add the coconut milk/cream, cilantro, salt and pepper to the sauce. Stir to thoroughly combine…..
Slice or chop chicken and add to the Masala Sauce…..
Stir to combine.
Serve with rice and/or heated Naan bread…..
Enjoy!!
Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Masala Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely diced – about 1 cup
- 3 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 Tablespoon diced jalapeno pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 Teaspoons garam masala
- 28 ounce can roasted crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus additional for garnish)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a large, zipper topped bag. Add the marinade and massage chicken to thoroughly coat.
- Place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to marinate.
- Heat butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the onion and cook for 10 minutes, until soft.
- Add the jalapeno, cumin, coriander, garam masala, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place chicken on a foil lined baking sheet, and bake in a 400 degree preheated oven for fifteen minutes.
- Turn on broiler, and broil chicken until lightly charred.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Slice chicken and add to sauce, stir to combine.
- Serve Tikka Masala with rice and/or Naan bread.
That looks wonderful! I love tikka masala (particularly with tofu and paneer), your version sounds great! Might need a bit more heat though, LOL 😛
Thank you so much!! I will have to try it with tofu next time, that sounds really good. 🙂 I think everyone likes it spicier than me!!
Did you say tikka masala? Yes! This is my favorite indian dish and I love that you made you version!! Can’t wait to try!
Thank you so much Zainab!! You will have to let me know if mine lives up to the ones you have had before. 😉
I’ve never had tikka masala with coconut milk sounds terrific. I like spice, but not so much that my taste buds go numb. My son also kicks up most things with hot sauce too.
It’s a weird kind of heat Diane, my lips were tingling! Those crazy boys and their hot sauce. 🙂
Lisa, I’ve never had this before and yes, I’m definitely a wuss when it comes to spicy food, but this looks really amazing! I love chicken, so I must might have to step out of my food comfort zone and try this. Thanks for sharing the recipe and pinning! Have a great Wednesday!
This was my first time as well Cindy. I knew it would be spicy, but I think I will tone down the spice even more in the future!! Happy Wednesday. 🙂
This looks delicious, Lisa! I love trying chicken new ways!
Thank you Julie, I am always searching for new chicken ideas as well. 😉
this is one of the most popular Indian dishes. Glad you enjoyed it despite the heat
That’s why I chose it Mireille, it’s the first name of a dish that popped into my head. 🙂
My mouth is watering ….. I can’t even tell you how good this sounds right now! Sharing on FB and pinned!
Thank you Jamie. 🙂
I like it spicy girl 😉 Looks like a great recipe!!
Wow, Lisa….this looks so delicious! I love all the amazing flavors and seasonings. Can you just make it for me????? 🙂
G’day! Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe at our #SayGdayParty! Looks delish!
Please make sure to stop back if you haven’t already and visit some other people’s blogs!
I am also curious if you have answered any of the questions I asked on my blog about this week’s party?
Cheers! Joanne
I love food from India but have never tried to make this dish. Thanks for the inspiration!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Lisa, this looks awesome! So delicious and full of rich flavor, this dish looks like something my family would love. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Yum, this looks delicious and I have always wanted to know how to make my own! Stopping by from the Weekend Re-Treat Link Party 🙂
This looks fabulous! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
This looks absolutely delicious Lisa! Pinned and shared!