Pollo Tikka Masala Recipe
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Pollo Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, then simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, this dish offers a delightful combination of heat, earthiness, and creaminess. Whether served with basmati rice or naan, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Here’s how to prepare this mouthwatering dish from start to finish:
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 kg |
| Greek yogurt | 150 g |
| Fresh ginger | 30 g |
| Garam Masala | 5 g |
| Smoked paprika | 3 g |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Lime juice | ½ lime |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Tomato passata (tomato puree) | 350 g |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 50 g |
| White onions | 1 |
| Fresh chili | 1 |
| Cumin | 3 g |
| Turmeric powder | 3 g |
| Brown sugar | 20 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10 g |
| Fresh coriander (for garnish) | to taste |
| Salt (to taste) | as needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the chicken breast. Slice the breast in half lengthwise and remove any excess fat using a sharp knife. If the bone is present, carefully remove it. Then, cut each half into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. -
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, freshly grated ginger, garam masala, smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure the yogurt and spices are evenly distributed. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the aromatic flavors from the spices. -
Prepare the Sauce:
After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. In the meantime, thinly slice the white onion and set it aside. Cut the fresh chili in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a knife. -
Cook the Spices:
In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and fresh chili. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent. Add the cumin, turmeric powder, and smoked paprika to the pan. Stir the spices continuously for about 1 minute to allow them to toast and release their flavors. -
Simmer the Tomato Sauce:
Pour in the tomato passata (pureed tomatoes) and stir in the brown sugar. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Add the Cream:
As the tomato sauce simmers, stir in the fresh cream. This will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture. Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the cream is well-incorporated into the sauce. -
Cook the Chicken:
While the sauce is simmering, preheat the oven to a high temperature (around 200°C or 400°F). Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray, spreading them out evenly. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust. -
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to the sauce pan with the simmering tomato cream sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken in the rich, flavorful sauce. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the flavors are well blended, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve your Pollo Tikka Masala hot, with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite side dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Pro Tips:
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, make sure to marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it marinates, the more intense and tender the chicken will be.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more fresh chili or increase the paprika. You can also add chili powder to enhance the heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with fluffy basmati rice, naan, or roti to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: Pollo Tikka Masala tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Enjoy your homemade Pollo Tikka Masala, a perfect dish for any occasion that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table.
