Fiery Indian Delight: Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala 🌶️🍗

Chicken Tikka Masala

Overview:
This tantalizing Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, originating from a feature in the esteemed Chicago Tribune on 4/17/02, has garnered immense popularity over the years. However, a word of caution: if you adhere strictly to the recipe proportions, brace yourself for an intense burst of spiciness. To tame the heat and tailor it to your palate, consider reducing the amount of ground red pepper in the marinade. Additionally, for those who prefer a milder experience, removing the seeds and veins from the jalapeño chile used in the sauce is advisable. With a cooking time of approximately 2 hours, including both preparation and cooking, this dish promises to deliver an explosion of flavors reminiscent of authentic Indian cuisine, perfect for a weeknight indulgence or any occasion where you crave a culinary adventure.

Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this savory masterpiece:

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 499.1 per serving
• Fat Content: 32.2g
• Saturated Fat Content: 17.9g
• Cholesterol Content: 206.3mg
• Sodium Content: 1425.5mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 12.2g
• Fiber Content: 2.7g
• Sugar Content: 5.9g
• Protein Content: 41.3g

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Begin by soaking bamboo skewers in water to prepare them for threading.
   • Thread the boneless, skinless chicken onto the skewers, ensuring even distribution.
   • Place the chicken skewers in a shallow dish and generously coat them with the marinade mixture of plain yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, black pepper, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for approximately 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat thoroughly.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it begins to sizzle.
   • Add minced garlic cloves and diced jalapeño chile to the melted butter, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for approximately 1 minute, allowing the aromatics to infuse the butter with their flavors.
   • Sprinkle in ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt, stirring continuously to evenly distribute the spices and toast them slightly, unlocking their full depth of flavor.
   • Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, robust flavor profile.
   • Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, stir in the cream, continuing to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to further thicken the sauce and marry all the flavors together into a harmonious symphony of taste.

3. Grill or Broil the Chicken:

   • Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s adequately preheated before proceeding.
   • Grill or broil the marinated chicken skewers, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and has developed a delicious charred exterior, approximately 8 minutes.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

   • Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skewers and transfer it to the prepared sauce, gently stirring to coat each piece of chicken evenly with the luscious sauce.
   • Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor.

5. Serve and Garnish:

   • To serve, garnish the Chicken Tikka Masala with freshly chopped cilantro, adding a vibrant pop of color and freshness to the dish.
   • Accompany the Chicken Tikka Masala with your choice of basmati rice, naan bread, or pita bread, serving as the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delectable sauce and savoring every last bite.

6. Additional Notes:

   • For those who prefer to customize their spice blend, feel free to experiment with making your own garam masala using a blend of your favorite spices. Alternatively, McCormick also offers a pre-made garam masala spice mix, readily available in most supermarkets for added convenience and ease.

With its tantalizing aroma, vibrant colors, and irresistible flavors, this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is sure to transport your taste buds on a culinary journey to the heart of India, leaving you craving more with every sumptuous bite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and embark on a flavor-packed adventure that’s guaranteed to delight your senses and leave you longing for seconds! 🍽️🔥🌶️