Introduction:
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that has gained worldwide recognition. It’s a mouth-watering and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to indulge in some comfort food. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make the best Chicken Tikka Masala at home.
What is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that originated in India but has become a staple in the UK. It’s made up of marinated chicken pieces that are cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically served with rice or naan bread.
Ingredients for Chicken Tikka Masala To make the perfect Chicken Tikka Masala, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Boneless chicken thighs or breast
- Yogurt
- Ginger and garlic paste
- Garam Masala
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Salt
- Oil
- Tomato puree
- Heavy cream
- Butter
Marinating the Chicken The first step in making Chicken Tikka Masala is to marinate the chicken. To do this, mix together the yogurt, ginger and garlic paste, garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken to the mixture and make sure that it is fully coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Preparing the Sauce To prepare the sauce, heat up some oil in a pan and add the tomato puree. Cook the puree for a few minutes until it thickens. Then, add the heavy cream and butter, and stir until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined.
Cooking the Chicken After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge and place it on skewers. Preheat the oven to 400°F and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until it’s fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on a grill or in a pan.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and add it to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Serving Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Tikka Masala is typically served with rice or naan bread. You can also garnish the dish with some fresh coriander leaves.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tikka Masala
- Use boneless chicken thighs or breast for the best results
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour
- Use fresh ingredients
- Adjust the spices to your liking
- Let the chicken cook fully before adding it to the sauce
- Use a good quality tomato puree
Making Chicken Tikka Masala may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you have the right ingredients and follow the steps outlined in this article. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to make the best Chicken Tikka Masala that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
