🍛 Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Cuisine: Indian/UK Fusion
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marination Time: 1–4 hours
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
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500g (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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3 tbsp plain yogurt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tsp garam masala
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp turmeric
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½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
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1 tsp salt
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the Masala Sauce:
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2 tbsp oil (vegetable or ghee)
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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1½ tsp ground cumin
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1½ tsp paprika
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1 tsp ground turmeric
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1 tsp chili powder (optional)
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2 tsp garam masala
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
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1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
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Salt to taste
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Fresh cilantro/coriander, chopped (for garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
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In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.
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Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
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Preheat grill, broiler, or oven to 220°C (425°F), or heat a grill pan.
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Spread marinated chicken on a lined baking tray or grill pan.
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Cook for 10–15 minutes, turning once, until browned and just cooked through.
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Set aside (you’ll finish cooking it in the sauce).
3. Prepare the Sauce
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In a large pan or skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
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Sauté onions until soft and golden (about 6–8 minutes).
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Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
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Add all dry spices and cook for 1–2 minutes to toast them and release aromas.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes, until thickened slightly.
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Add cream, stir, and simmer for another 5–7 minutes.
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Taste and season with salt as needed.
4. Combine & Simmer
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Add grilled chicken to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
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Garnish with fresh chopped coriander.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
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Add a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for extra flavor.
👨🍳 Tips for Perfection
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Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
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For smokier flavor, char the chicken slightly under a grill.
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Adjust spice levels to your liking — mild or hot!

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