Chicken Tikka Masala
Recipe
Indian-inspired

Chicken Tikka Masala

Prep Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Dinner Party Weeknight Comfort

The Story

After a guest from Mumbai politely endured the hotel restaurant’s version, I invited him to try mine. He said it reminded him of home. That’s the highest compliment I’ve ever received.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cubed
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Salt, butter

Instructions

  1. Marinate: Mix chicken with half the yogurt, 1 tablespoon garam masala, paprika, salt. Marinate 30 minutes or overnight.

  2. Cook chicken: Sear marinated chicken in batches until charred. Set aside.

  3. Build sauce: Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger. Cook 1 minute. Add remaining garam masala.

  4. Simmer: Add tomatoes. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir in cream and remaining yogurt.

  5. Finish: Return chicken to sauce. Simmer 10 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

Notes

The char on the chicken matters. Don’t crowd the pan — work in batches for proper browning.