Restaurant-Style Chicken Tikka Masala: Easy Weeknight Dinner Ready in 6 Steps.

Restaurant-Style Chicken Tikka Masala: Weeknight Dinner Hero in Under 30 Minutes!

Craving the rich, creamy flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala but don’t have hours to spare? This recipe is your weeknight dinner hero! We’ll recreate the magic of restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala in your kitchen, using readily available ingredients and a simple step-by-step process.

Chicken Tikka Masala: A Culinary Gem

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish featuring succulent, marinated chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The origins of this dish are a fascinating blend of cultures, with some attributing its creation to Indian chefs catering to British tastes in the 20th century. Regardless of its origin story, Chicken Tikka Masala has become a global favorite, and for good reason! The interplay of tender chicken, a vibrant tomato sauce infused with warm spices, and a touch of cream creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and exciting.

Key Ingredients for Weeknight Success

The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of everyday ingredients that can be easily found at most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Chicken Tikka:

  • Half kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Everest’s Tikhalal (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• For the Tikka Masala Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Everest’s Kashmirilal for colour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Everest’s Tikhalal to spice it up (It is nothing but a spicy pepper powder but you can use whichever you have available.)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide to Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala Magic

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix it well. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken Tikka:

   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin layer of oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Take out the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Building the Tikka Masala Sauce:

   In the same pan (you can add a little more oil if needed), heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for a minute, until you start smelling its fragrance.

4. Spice Up Your Life:

   Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, coriander, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Creamy Perfection:

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can add a tablespoon of brown sugar at this point.

6. The Grand Finale:

   Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the simmering sauce and gently heat everything through for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander for color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Serve your restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala hot over a bed of basmati rice or naan bread. You can also enjoy it with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad.

Recipe Customization:

• Spice it Up or Down: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian version.
• No Yogurt? No Problem! If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk or a mixture of lemon juice and milk

Check out our more non-veg recipes here.