Chicken Tikka Masala (Homemade Happiness)

Alright, let's dive into this chicken tikka masala recipe, shall we? ever crave that creamy, spiced deliciousness? honestly, making it at home is easier than you think.

I promise! this version is all about getting those restaurant vibes without the restaurant price tag.

Craving Chicken Tikka Masala? Let's Get Cooking!

This chicken recipe is a winner. trust me. we're talking tender chicken, swimming in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. it’s got that comforting flavour we all love.

Chicken tikka masala, while often enjoyed at your local indian restaurant, has fuzzy roots. some say india, others the uk! either way, its a global fave!

This isn't a super difficult recipe, but it does have a few steps. so, i'd say it's a medium difficulty kind of thing.

You’ll need about 25 minutes for prep, 35 minutes for cooking, and that feeds about 4-6 hungry folks.

Why You'll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

Okay, so besides being incredibly yummy, this yummy meal is surprisingly good for you. greek yogurt and chicken both bring a healthy dose of protein.

This is why it can be one of the most awesome weight watchers recipes dinner . plus, it is great for any occasion especially cheap summer meals !.

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is that it's totally customisable. want it spicier? add more chilli! prefer coconut milk to cream? go for it! make it your own!

Ready to roll with the ingredients? Let's check it out!

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up some seriously tasty chicken tikka masala! honestly, it's all about having the right bits and bobs to hand before you even think about turning on the hob.

This is going to be one of those yummy meals you'll want to make again and again.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

Main Players in This Chicken Recipes Show

Okay, so here's the breakdown for my take on Chicken Tikka Masala. This isn’t one of those Skinnytaste Recipes necessarily, but it's all about balance, yeah? We are aiming to make some good dinner recipes chicken related!

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. thighs are the way to go, trust me they stay juicy! go for free range, if you can find them, or organic if you can't, they are worth the extra money.

• Yogurt: 1 cup (240g) of plain greek yogurt. full fat gives it that extra richness, but low-fat works too. it depends what is in your fridge, honestly! this can be a good start for some weight watchers recipes dinner too.

• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons . Fresh is always best!

• Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon . You can buy this pre-made, or just grate about 1 inch of ginger and 4 cloves of garlic.

• Spices: 1 teaspoon each of garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to your heat preference). I like a bit of a kick, what about you?.

• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste).

• Vegetable Oil (or Ghee): 2 tablespoons . I love using ghee for that extra flavour, but normal oil works fine.

• Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped.

• Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , finely chopped.

• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) .

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . This is what makes it super creamy!

• Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped, for garnish.

• Naan or Basmati Rice : For serving.

Seasoning Secrets & Swaps

So, what's the secret to amazing indian food? spices, obviously! the garam masala is key, but don’t be shy with the cumin and coriander either.

They give it that proper authentic flavour. and for a bit of heat? a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders.

A tip that can make your life easier is to replace all these dry ingredients with some curry powder, this will make it one of the easiest easy summer dinner recipes that you can find!

If you are looking for a dairy-free meals version, I suggest you swap the heavy cream to coconut milk.

Need to substitute? If you don’t have ginger garlic paste, just use finely grated fresh ginger and garlic! It will be a fantastic cheap summer meals that you'll love.

Gear Up: Essential Equipment

No fancy stuff needed here! You will need:

• A Big Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To get your measurements right.
• A Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For cooking the sauce. A wok can also work.
• A Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For chopping those veggies.

Honestly, that’s it. if you’ve got that, you’re golden! now, let’s get cooking! we can make something similar to that trendy bang bang chicken bowl , a chicken poke bowl , or even tortilla chicken wraps !.

You know, these are great poke bowl ideas , easy lunch for two as well, and even easy chicken lunch options too! what’s better than a versatile dinner to make with chicken or even just figuring out what to make for dinner with chicken ?

and with all these ingredients you have the perfect meals with recipes or a simple lunch idea recipes .

You can add cheese dinner to it, as you like. the possibilities are endless.

Alright, let's dive into making some seriously tasty chicken tikka masala ! honestly, it's a winner, winner chicken dinner situation every time.

Perfect for a chilly evening or when you fancy a bit of spice without the takeaway price tag.

Cooking Method: Tikka Masala Magic

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks (and Chickens!) in a Row

First things first: mise en place, darling! translation? get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. we're talking 1.5 lbs of cubed chicken thighs.

One cup of greek yogurt. spices at the ready. chopping your onion and bell pepper. honestly, it’s a lifesaver and speeds things up.

Time saving tip: use pre-made ginger garlic paste if you're short on time. no shame in that game! it just saves the hassle of grating a thumb of ginger and a handful of cloves.

This trick will make your prep for a skinnytaste recipes level easy.

Safety first! Wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah? You know the drill. Keep surfaces clean. No one wants a dodgy tummy!

step-by-step Process: From Fridge to Feast

1. Marinate that chicken! Mix your yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and spices. Slather it all over the chicken. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is better!
2. Sauté your veggies. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Get your chopped onion and bell pepper in there until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Spice it up! Add more ginger garlic paste and spices. Cook for about 1 minute until your kitchen smells incredible.
4. Tomato time! Pour in your crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the sauce has thickened. This lets all the flavors mingle!
5. Cook the chicken. Heat a separate pan and cook your marinated chicken. I do this in batches because it makes the chicken brown nicely.
6. Combine and conquer! Add your cooked chicken to that luscious sauce. Stir it well, coating every piece.
7. Cream it up! Stir in your heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes . Season with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp on tasting.
8. Garnish and serve! Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm naan or basmati rice. Boom! Yummy Meals done right.

Visual cue for doneness: The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce should be thick and creamy.

Critical temperature point: Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe to eat.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Tikka Masala Game

Want to make it really good? Marinate the chicken overnight, honestly, you'll taste the difference. I usually prepare a Chicken Poke Bowl the next day with the extra batch that I have.

Common mistake alert: Overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. Do it in batches! It seems longer but it is so much better.

make-ahead option: you can make the sauce a day or two in advance. just store it in the fridge. this is a great tip if you are short on time or planning to create a cheap summer meals .

And there you have it! chicken tikka masala that'll knock your socks off. seriously, give it a go! this is such a versatile dish that is great for any dinner to make with chicken.

Plus if you need a dairy-free meals , just replace the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk. i swear, it's basically the same.

Happy cooking, you legends! you can also explore creating bang bang chicken bowl using the same batch, but the flavours are just, so so great.

Alright, let's chat about this amazing chicken tikka masala! honestly, it's become a staple in my house. this is the type of good dinner recipes chicken you should bookmark! let’s dive into some extra bits that’ll make your life easier.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate it Up!

Okay, picture this: a steaming bowl of chicken tikka masala, glistening with that creamy sauce. you know? for plating, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a must.

Adds a pop of colour and freshness! serve it up with warm naan bread. it's perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

Basmati rice is another winner! and maybe a side of mango chutney for a sweet and tangy kick. if you are having guests over, try adding some poppadums for extra crunch.

It's restaurant quality but totally doable at home. chicken poke bowl is not bad for an alternative.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

Oh my gosh, leftovers! if you manage to have any, here's the lowdown. for refrigeration, pop your chicken tikka masala into an airtight container.

It'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. when reheating, a gentle simmer on the stovetop is best. add a splash of water if it seems a little thick.

Freezing? absolutely! freeze in individual portions for easy easy lunch for two or future dinners. just make sure it's fully cooled before freezing.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge. maybe you could make tortilla chicken wraps with the left overs.

Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It!

This is where you can get creative, you know? want a dairy-free meals version? swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk.

It adds a lovely richness! got a vegetarian friend? replace the chicken with paneer or even some roasted cauliflower. for skinnytaste recipes with lower calories, try greek yogurt with 0% fat and reduce the oil when sauteing the onions and pepper.

Or if you need cheap summer meals , use frozen vegetables, they are cheaper. and if you want it super spicy, add extra chili powder.

Don't be afraid to play around! some poke bowl ideas could inspire you in making this recipe even more interesting.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body!

Okay, so this is a rough guide. one serving clocks in around 550-650 calories. it’s packed with protein around 45-55g.

Fat is about 30-40g, and carbs are around 20-30g. and hey, that turmeric in there? it's got some serious anti inflammatory powers! plus, all those spices are great for digestion.

Consider this a weight watchers recipes dinner with amazing benefits, but remember, that's just an estimate. always check your specific ingredients for exact numbers.

So, there you have it! everything you need to know to make this chicken tikka masala a total success. it will be one of your yummy meals and also one of the easy summer dinner recipes .

And honestly, don't stress about making it perfect. just have fun and enjoy the process! with these meals with recipes , you will be able to have an easy chicken lunch or a dinner to make with chicken.

Experiment and find what to make for dinner with chicken . ready to give it a go? i think you'll nail it! bang bang chicken bowl or cheese dinner are other great options to consider!.