Contents
Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal to impress your family or guests, Easy Chicken Tikka Masala is a fantastic choice. This flavorful dish combines succulent chicken with a creamy tomato sauce, making it a staple in Indian cuisine. Served over fragrant basmati rice, this recipe is not only simple but also packed with aromatic spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
1 cup basmati rice
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1½ tablespoons vegetable oil
½ medium sweet onion, diced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1½ teaspoons garam masala
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the basmati rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken and Onion: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and diced onion. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, chili powder, and ground turmeric. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Create the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and slightly thickened, approximately 10 minutes.
6. Incorporate the Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
7. Serve: Serve the chicken tikka masala immediately over the cooked basmati rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious dish that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your dinner table with ease!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Rice
In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the basmati rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
Cook the Chicken and Onion
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and diced onion. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Aromatics and Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, chili powder, and ground turmeric. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken stock. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and slightly thickened, approximately 10 minutes.
Incorporate the Cream
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
Serve
Serve the chicken tikka masala immediately over the cooked basmati rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Notes
Seasoning Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more spices if you like it spicier or reduce them for a milder flavor.
Chicken Alternatives
If desired, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or paneer and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Cooking Basmati Rice
To cook basmati rice, bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, then add the rice. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer according to the package instructions. This method ensures the rice is fluffy and separates easily.
Seasoning Chicken
Before cooking chicken, season it with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor and ensures it is well-seasoned throughout while cooking.
Sautéing Chicken and Onions
Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and diced onions, cooking until the chicken is golden brown and the onions are translucent. This process helps build a foundation of flavor.
Incorporating Aromatics and Spices
After the chicken and onions are cooked, add tomato paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and spices. Stirring constantly for about a minute releases their essential oils and enhances the dish’s aroma.
Creating the Sauce
Combine tomato sauce and chicken stock with the cooked mixture. Allow it to boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. This process thickens the sauce and melds the flavors together.
Adding Cream
Infuse richness into the dish by slowly adding heavy cream at the end of the cooking process. This will provide a creamy texture and balance the spices.
Garnishing
Serving chicken tikka masala over basmati rice and garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may result in a drier texture since thighs are more tender and flavorful.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut milk or a mixture of yogurt and milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
Is chicken tikka masala spicy?
The spice level can vary depending on the amount of chili powder used. You can adjust it according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, chicken tikka masala can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.
What sides pair well with chicken tikka masala?
Naan, roti, or a simple cucumber raita are excellent sides to complement chicken tikka masala.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Conclusion
Enjoying a comforting and flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with fragrant basmati rice. This easy recipe beautifully highlights the aromatic spices and tender chicken, making it a suitable option for family dinners or special occasions. With its rich and creamy sauce, it is sure to please everyone at the table.
Garlic Naan
Serve Chicken Tikka Masala with warm, buttery garlic naan for a complete meal. The naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Vegetable Biryani
Pair your Chicken Tikka Masala with a spicy vegetable biryani. The fragrant rice mixed with assorted veggies creates a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken dish.
Raita
A cooling cucumber raita complements the heat of the Chicken Tikka Masala perfectly. The yogurt-based side dish adds a refreshing touch and balances the spices.
Stuffed Peppers
For a twist, use the Chicken Tikka Masala filling for stuffed bell peppers. Bake them until tender for a fusion dish that is both hearty and flavorful.
Mango Chutney
Adding a side of mango chutney can enhance the meal’s flavors with its sweetness and tang, acting as a delightful contrast to the spiciness of the tikka masala.
Spicy Lentil Soup
A bowl of spicy lentil soup would pair nicely as a starter. The earthy flavors of the lentils complement the aromatic chicken dish.
Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A simple salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette can provide a fresh and zesty contrast to the richness of the Chicken Tikka Masala, adding a healthy touch to the meal.
