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Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe for Busy Weeknights with Simple Ingredients

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A quick and comforting chicken tikka masala recipe using simple pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in about 30 minutes with bold, cozy flavors and minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Fresh cilantro, a handful chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix chicken thighs with yogurt, garlic-ginger paste, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Coat well. Marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil or ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces (shake off excess marinade) and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add remaining oil. Cook chopped onions on medium heat until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic-ginger paste and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add spices and tomatoes: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir for 30 seconds to toast spices. Pour in tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and oil separates.
  5. Finish the dish: Return chicken and juices to pan. Stir to coat. Pour in cream or coconut milk and simmer gently for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Serve hot over basmati rice or with warm naan.

Notes

[‘Marinating for at least 10 minutes tenderizes the chicken; longer marinating up to 2 hours or overnight enhances flavor.’, ‘Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat; breasts can be used but cook less time to avoid drying out.’, ‘Caramelize onions well for sweetness and depth in the sauce.’, ‘Toast spices briefly in the pan to awaken flavors.’, ‘Simmer cream gently to avoid curdling.’, ‘Leftovers reheat well and taste better the next day.’, ‘For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and yogurt with dairy-free plain yogurt.’, ‘Adjust chili powder to control spice level.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tikka masala, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Indian cuisine, quick chicken curry, simple ingredients, creamy tomato sauce

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe-for-busy-weeknights-with-simple-ingredients/