Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala (Printable)

Tender chicken mingles with spiced creamy tomato sauce and pasta for a flavorful fusion meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
02 - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp ground coriander
07 - 1 tsp paprika
08 - ½ tsp turmeric
09 - 1 tsp garam masala
10 - ¾ tsp salt

→ Pasta

11 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
12 - Water, for boiling
13 - 1 tsp salt

→ Sauce

14 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
15 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
16 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
17 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
18 - 1 tbsp grated ginger
19 - 2 tsp ground cumin
20 - 1 tsp paprika
21 - 1 tsp ground coriander
22 - ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
23 - 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
24 - ¾ cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
25 - ¼ cup chicken broth or water
26 - 1 tsp sugar
27 - Salt, to taste
28 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

# Method:

01 - Combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off excess marinade from chicken, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 4 to 5 minutes.
05 - Incorporate garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder if using; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, and salt. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
07 - Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, blending well. Return cooked chicken to sauce and simmer for 3 minutes.
08 - Add drained pasta to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bold aromatic flavors
  • Rich creamy sauce
02 -
  • For a vegetarian option substitute chicken with paneer or tofu
  • Adjust chili powder to taste for preferred heat level
03 -
  • Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact
  • Let the chicken marinate longer for deeper taste
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