Indulge In Authentic Flavors: Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, Tesco’s Finest

Embark on a culinary journey to create the delectable dish of chicken tikka masala, a harmonious blend of Indian spices and creamy tomato sauce. With Tesco’s diverse range of ingredients, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step guide and tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible chicken tikka masala recipe.

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Tesco garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
• Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened.
• Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

4. Add the Chicken Back to the Sauce:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
• Stir to combine.

5. Add the Cream and Cilantro:

• Stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro.
• Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.

6. Serve:

• Serve the chicken tikka masala with basmati rice or naan bread.
• Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip the marinating step; it helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
• If you like your sauce spicier, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
• You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
• Serve the chicken tikka masala immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Chicken Tikka Masala with Paneer: Add 1 cup of cubed paneer (Indian cheese) to the sauce along with the chicken.
• Chicken Tikka Masala with Vegetables: Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas, to the sauce along with the chicken.
• Chicken Tikka Masala with Spinach: Add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the sauce along with the chicken.
• Chicken Tikka Masala with Coconut Milk: Replace the heavy cream with 1 cup of coconut milk.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs are a bit more flavorful, but chicken breasts are leaner.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

A: You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can also marinate it overnight for even more flavor.

Q: What kind of yogurt should I use?

A: You can use plain yogurt or Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, so it will make a richer sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Just brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: What should I serve with chicken tikka masala?

A: Chicken tikka masala can be served with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of raita or chutney.