Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala
This dish features marinated chicken tikka pieces simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato-coconut sauce; rich, comforting, and infused with island-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs cut into 1–2-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 5 cardamom pods crushed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 onion diced
- 2 medium tomatoes finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey or coconut sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cardamom, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat oil or ghee in a skillet over medium. Add diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add marinated chicken (reserve extra marinade), browning on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add tomatoes and reserved marinade to the pan. Cook 5 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes begin to break down.
- Return chicken to pan, stir in coconut milk and honey.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in cilantro before serving.
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