Craving Restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala? Try This Easy Recipe With Jar Sauce, Ready In Less Than 30 Minutes

Chicken tikka masala, a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its tantalizing blend of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and succulent chicken morsels creates a flavor symphony that leaves taste buds craving more. While traditionally prepared from scratch, this recipe introduces a simplified approach using jarred sauce, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Embark on this culinary journey and discover how to craft this delectable dish with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2. 1 jar (16 ounces) tikka masala sauce
3. 1 cup plain yogurt
4. 1 tablespoon garam masala
5. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
6. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
7. 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
8. 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
9. 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
10. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
11. Basmati rice or naan bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

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

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
• Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Add the Sauce:

• Stir in the jar of tikka masala sauce and bring to a simmer.
• Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the chicken tikka masala with chopped cilantro leaves.
• Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala:

• Chicken Selection: Use high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results.
• Yogurt Marinade: The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your desired spice level. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach the desired heat.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer, stirring occasionally. For a thinner sauce, add a bit of water or coconut milk.
• Serving Suggestions: Chicken tikka masala pairs perfectly with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) or chutney.

Variations:

1. Vegetable Tikka Masala: Replace the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, and cauliflower. Follow the same cooking instructions.
2. Paneer Tikka Masala: Substitute paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for the chicken. Cook the paneer in the tikka masala sauce until heated through.
3. Chicken Tikka Masala with Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give the dish a vibrant green color and an extra boost of nutrients.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Leftover chicken tikka masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the desired amount of chicken tikka masala in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated.

Benefits of Using Jarred Sauce:

1. Convenience: Jarred sauces offer a quick and easy way to create delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Consistency: Commercial sauces are often made with high-quality ingredients and standardized recipes, ensuring consistent results every time.
3. Variety: Jarred sauces come in a wide range of flavors and styles, allowing you to explore different cuisines and flavors without having to buy a lot of individual ingredients.
4. Affordability: Jarred sauces are generally more affordable than buying all of the individual ingredients needed to make a sauce from scratch.

“Wrap-Up”: A Culinary Journey Concluded

With this easy chicken tikka masala recipe using jar sauce, you can now enjoy this classic Indian dish in the comfort of your own home. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic spices creates a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

• Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as lamb, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What can I do if I don’t have tikka masala sauce?

• You can make your own tikka masala sauce from scratch using a variety of spices and ingredients. Alternatively, you can use a jar of curry sauce or korma sauce as a substitute.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?

• To make this recipe vegan, replace the chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or tofu. Use a vegan yogurt alternative in the marinade and coconut milk instead of cream.