Chicken Tikka Masala

The delicious aroma and creamy texture make this meal a crowd pleaser

I’m an not a world traveler. In fact, my passport currently has zero stamps on it. Sad, I know. I plan to fix that soon. (Look for posts from Europe in a few months.) Until then, I can bring exotic flavors into my own home. Tikka Masala, the classic Indian dish, is a Do-Little Tribe favorite. Even though the list of ingredients is long, most of them are spices I usually have on hand. With a little planning (for meat marinating), I can have dinner on the table in about 30 min.

To make this recipe less daunting, I have broken it into seven easy steps.

Step One: Create the Marinade Combine the yogurt, lemon juice and spices in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Knead the bag thoroughly to combine the ingredients. 

Measured and ready for the marinating bag

Add yogurt to the lemon juice and spices

Step Two: Add the meat Start by marinating the meat. I like to use chicken, but any meat can be used. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the bag. Once again, knead the bag to ensure the meat is evenly coated. 

Step Three: Wait Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 min. (I have left it for as long as 48 hours. Be sure you check the expiration date on the meat. You do not want to serve salmonella.)

It isn't a very pretty color, but it smells so good.

Step Four: Bake Spread the meat on a baking pan and place on a rack close to the top of the oven. Broil on high until the meat is cooked and begins to brown in places. (15 - 20 min) Remove from oven.

Baked chicken nearly ready for the sauce. 

Step Five: Make the Sauce While the meat is cooking, prepare the sauce. The Hungry Tribe loves the rich, spicy flavor the sautéed jalapeño adds to the dish. It can be left out. But trust me, you will be glad you included it.

Once the spices hit the pan, my entire kitchen fills with the most delicious and comforting aroma. Then add the tomato sauce and the Hungry Tribe members begin congregating in the kitchen asking if it’s time to eat. Next add the cream.

Jalapeño, garlic and spices ready for tomato and cream

Step Six: Mix it up

Then the meat is added. The pan will be full of drippings, you don’t want that in your final product. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat from the baking sheet to the sauce pan. Mix thoroughly.

Step Seven: Serve over rice. (We love Aromatic Basmati Rice). Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Enjoy

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Serves 4 - 6

Marinade

1 c. plain yogurt

2 Tbs. lemon juice

2 tsp. cumin

½ tsp. black pepper

1 ½  tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

½  tsp. ground ginger
dash cayenne pepper*

1 ½  lbs. boneless chicken cut into bite-size pieces (thighs are a more tender meat but breast meat is still delicious)

After combining all ingredients in a gallon-size zip-top bag, seal bag and knead the mixture together by hand. Allow

chicken to marinate at least 1 hour in refrigerator. (Can be left in the bag all day or overnight.)

Place the chicken and marinade on a baking sheet and broil on high until the chicken is cooked - about 12 min.  Marinade will be thick. Do not worry, it will cook off. You do not need to save the drippings.

*Note: If you like your tikka masala extra spicy, add up to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper to the marinade.

While the chicken is cooking, assemble the sauce:

Sauce

1 Tbs. butter

1 ½  tsp. minced garlic

½  jalapeño, minced (optional)

2 tsp.  ground coriander

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garam masala *

½  tsp. salt

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 c. whipping cream

Melt butter in a large skillet, add garlic and jalapeño. Cook 1 minute. Add coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala,

and salt. Add tomato sauce and cover skillet. Simmer 15 minutes. Add cream and simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 min. Add cooked chicken to sauce; simmer an additional 5 minutes. Serve over aromatic basmati rice. Garnish with cilantro.
*Note: Garam masala is a traditional Indian spice. Most grocery stores carry it. It can be left out of you cannot find it. But the flavor is worth the effort.