Chicken Tikka Masala

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Combine full-fat yogurt, kosher salt, Garam Masala, paprika, finely chopped garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a large bowl.
  2. 2Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  3. 3Cut boneless and skinless chicken thighs into pieces.
  4. 4Add the cut chicken thighs to the yogurt and spice mixture in the bowl.
  5. 5Mix the chicken and marinade together and let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
  6. 6Add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of a large sauté pan or deep skillet.
  7. 7Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it is nearly smoking.
  8. 8Add all your chicken in batches and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until you get a nice browning.
  9. 9Once everything is seared, remove all the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  10. 10Add a touch more oil to the pan if needed.
  11. 11Lower the heat to medium.
  12. 12Add sliced yellow onion, thinly sliced ginger, and thinly sliced garlic to the pan.
  13. 13Season lightly with salt to draw out the water.
  14. 14Sauté the vegetables for 3-5 minutes or until they are softened.
  15. 15Add paprika, cayenne powder, and Garam Masala to the sautéed vegetables.
  16. 16Add granulated sugar to the mixture.
  17. 17Sauté until fragrant.
  18. 18Add a can of crushed tomatoes to the pan.
  19. 19Stir everything together and let it reduce for 5 minutes.
  20. 20Pour the reduced sauce with softened vegetables into a blender.
  21. 21Blend on high speed until it is as smooth as physically possible.
  22. 22Pour the blended sauce back into the pan.
  23. 23Bring the sauce back to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
  24. 24Add all of your cooked chicken to the sauce.
  25. 25Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until the chicken is beautifully cooked.
  26. 26Stir in heavy whipping cream.
  27. 27Reduce for 7-8 more minutes, stirring occasionally, or until thickened to a voluptuous consistency.
  28. 28Season to taste with salt as needed.
  29. 29Serve next to a nice big portion of plain steamed rice.
  30. 30Optionally, garnish with cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 240 g Full-fat yogurt
  • 6 g Kosher salt
  • 11 g Garam Masala
  • 3 g Paprika
  • 5 cloves Garlic
  • 2 inch knob Ginger
  • 900 g Boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 24 g Vegetable oil
  • 1 large Yellow onion
  • 3 g Cayenne powder
  • 9 g Granulated sugar
  • 425 g Crushed tomatoes
  • 240 ml Heavy whipping cream
  • Plain steamed rice
  • Cilantro
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin

Equipment

Large bowlWhiskCutting boardKnifeLarge sauté panSheet panSpatulaBlenderServing bowl

Tips

  • Chicken thighs are the superior choice for this recipe as they are cheaper and more juicy than chicken breast.
  • The step of blending the sauce is optional; the dish will still be delicious if you don't blend it.
  • If you have ground cumin on hand, adding 1 teaspoon to the spice mix will enhance the flavor.