Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: A Flavorful and Creamy Indian Delight

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: A Flavorful and Creamy Indian Delight

Introduction:
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular and beloved Indian dishes worldwide. It features marinated and grilled chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy, packed with aromatic spices. This dish is a true delight for those who love bold flavors and creamy textures. Chicken Tikka Masala pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or rice, making it an irresistible choice for a hearty and flavorful meal.

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Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken (murgh), cut into pieces

• 2 tablespoons yogurt (dahi)

• 1 tablespoon ginger (adrak) garlic (lehsun) paste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (nimbu ka ras)

• Salt (namak) to taste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (tel)

• 1 onion (pyaaz), finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes (tamatar), pureed

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (lal mirch)

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (malai)

• 1/2 cup water (pani)

• Fresh coriander leaves (dhaniya), chopped, for garnish

• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed (optional)

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Steps to Prepare Chicken Tikka Masala:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix the chicken (murgh) pieces with yogurt (dahi), ginger (adrak) garlic (lehsun) paste, lemon juice (nimbu ka ras), and salt (namak).

• Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to tenderize the chicken and infuse the flavors.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat oil (tel) in a grill pan or regular pan over medium heat.

• Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

• Remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Masala Gravy:

• In the same pan, add some more oil (tel) and heat it.

• Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter.

• Add the chopped onions (pyaaz) and sauté until golden brown.

4. Add Spices and Tomatoes:

• Add coriander powder (dhania), red chili powder (lal mirch), turmeric powder (haldi), and garam masala to the onions and sauté for a minute to bring out the aroma.

• Add the pureed tomatoes (tamatar) and cook until the oil separates from the masala and the gravy thickens.

5. Combine Chicken and Gravy:

• Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy.

• Add water (pani) and cook for another 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Make the Gravy Creamy:

• Stir in the heavy cream (malai) to make the sauce rich and creamy.

• Simmer for a few minutes until the gravy is thick and coats the chicken pieces well.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves (dhaniya) and crushed kasuri methi for added flavor (optional).

• Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala hot with naan, roti, or rice.

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Conclusion:
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines marinated, grilled chicken with a deliciously spiced gravy. It's the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a comforting meal at home, Chicken Tikka Masala is always a crowd favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal!