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- 500g chicken breast, diced - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste - 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice mix - 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes The main ingredients give this dish its rich flavor. The chicken breast is tender and soaks up the spices well. Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess. Ginger-garlic paste brings a warm kick, and the tikka masala spice mix adds depth. Crushed tomatoes provide a nice base for the sauce. - 1 cup coconut milk - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or naan Coconut milk gives the dish a creamy texture. You can add it for a richer taste. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness on top. Serve your chicken tikka masala with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal. - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon salt (to taste) Oil is key for frying and helps the spices bloom. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish. Adjust the salt to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, I take a bowl and combine the plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and tikka masala spice mix. This blend creates a tasty marinade that makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Next, I add the diced chicken to the bowl. I mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly. It’s best to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can even leave it overnight in the fridge for more flavor. Once marinated, I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the finely chopped onion and sauté it until it turns golden brown. This step adds a sweet flavor to the dish. It usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. After that, I add the marinated chicken to the skillet, along with all the marinade. I cook it until the chicken is browned on all sides, which takes about 5 to 8 minutes. After the chicken is browned, I stir in a can of crushed tomatoes. I bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors combine nicely. Then, I pour in the coconut milk, mixing everything well. I let it simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Finally, I season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs perfectly with basmati rice or naan. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating overnight works wonders. This allows the spices to soak into the chicken. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Mixing in some fresh herbs like mint or cilantro can elevate the taste even more. Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding oil. This helps the chicken sear nicely, giving it a golden color. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Cut a piece to check if it looks white and juicy inside. Serve your chicken tikka masala with basmati rice or warm naan. Both soak up the sauce perfectly. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro on top. It adds color and a burst of flavor. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of chicken tikka masala. Simply swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite vegetables. Tofu absorbs flavors well, making it a great choice. Cut the tofu into cubes and marinate it just like the chicken. You can also use vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower. Cook them until tender. This option is healthy and still full of flavor! To add more flavor, consider using extra spices. You can try garam masala, cumin, or coriander for a deeper taste. If you like heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking. This way, you can control the spice level. Remember, not everyone enjoys the same heat, so make it your own! You can play around with the sauces too. A creamy coconut sauce gives a sweet twist. On the other hand, a tomato-based sauce offers a tangier taste. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with your own homemade tikka masala. Mix different ingredients to find the flavor you love most. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can create your ideal version! For the full recipe, check the section above. Store your Easy Chicken Tikka Masala in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. It lasts up to four days in the fridge. The flavors deepen after a day or two. Reheat it on low heat to bring it back to life. Stir well to avoid hot spots. To freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It keeps well for three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much. You can make this chicken tikka masala ahead of time. Cook a big batch on the weekend. Divide it into portions for the week. This makes busy nights easier. Pair with rice or naan for a quick meal. You’ll enjoy a tasty dinner without much effort. Making Easy Chicken Tikka Masala takes about 1 hour. The prep time is around 30 minutes. During this time, you can marinate the chicken. The cooking time is about 30 minutes. You will sauté the onions and cook the chicken and sauce. Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. You can even use bone-in chicken for more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time. Make sure the chicken cooks completely for safety. You can serve Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice or naan. These sides soak up the sauce nicely. You might also add a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. They balance the rich flavors and add crunch. For a complete meal, try yogurt sauce as a dip. In summary, you’ve learned how to make Easy Chicken Tikka Masala. We covered the key ingredients, marinating steps, and cooking methods. You now know how to perfect your dish with useful tips and variations. Consider trying different proteins or sauces for personalized flavor. With proper storage and meal prep, you can enjoy this dish throughout the week. Dive into this tasty recipe and impress your family or friends!

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

Discover the secrets to making easy chicken tikka masala that bursts with flavor! This delicious recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a creamy coconut sauce and aromatic spices, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you'll have this tasty dish on your table in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

500g chicken breast, diced

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

2 tablespoons tikka masala spice mix

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

1 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions
 

In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and tikka masala spice mix.

    Add the diced chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.

      Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

        Add the marinated chicken (along with the marinade) to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-8 minutes.

          Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Pour in the coconut milk, mixing well, and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

              Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.

                Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4