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Chicken Tikka Masala

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In this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, pieces of chicken thigh meat marinates in a spiced yogurt combination and cooked in a tomato, coconut milk and garam masala spiced sauce. Serve with rice and naan. Serves 6.
Course Mains & Entrees
Cuisine Indian
Keyword annatto, chicken, curry, garam masala, indian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 327
Author Laurie McNamara

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN MARINADE:

  • pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup whole milk plain yogurt (NOT fat free)
  • 1/2 large lemon juiced
  • 1 heaping tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • teaspoons annatto powder optional - for color
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

FOR THE TIKKA MASALA:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 15 ounce canned tomato puree (not tomato sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt more or less to taste
  • 3/4 cup full fat coconut milk heavy cream may be substituted

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, 2 teaspoons cumin, chili powder, annatto (for color), cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to combine, cover and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours.
  • Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add butter, garlic, 2 of both teaspoons garam masala and coriander, 1 teaspoon of both cumin and paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add in the marinated chicken and cook for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked. Next, add in the tomato sauce and sugar and season with kosher salt (it was a 1/2 teaspoon for me). Cook for 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in coconut milk. Cook until sauce has thickened a bit.
  • Serve with rice, naan or pita bread and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 185mg | Sodium: 791mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 3mg