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–+ servings

Better Than Takeout Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

A rich and creamy chicken tikka masala that rivals your favorite takeout, made with tender chicken marinated in spices and a luscious tomato cream sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt for marinating
  • 2 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ginger grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar to balance acidity
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, ginger, garlic, and lemon juice. Add chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and sugar, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

For a spicier version, add chili powder or fresh green chilies to the marinade.

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