Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

Whenever I’m in the mood for a comforting dish, Quick Chicken Tikka Masala never fails to deliver. I vividly remember the first time I tried it at a local Indian restaurant. The aroma of spices filled the air, and the vibrant colors of the dish were simply irresistible. I knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s amazing how a simple combination of ingredients can transport you to another world, isn’t it? This recipe captures that essence and makes it accessible for a weeknight dinner. Just imagine tender pieces of chicken enveloped in a creamy, spiced sauce, served over fluffy rice – it’s pure bliss. I love to gather my family around the table and serve this dish, watching their smiles as they take their first bites. It’s not just a meal; it’s a moment of connection and joy.

Ingredients for Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

When crafting the perfect Quick Chicken Tikka Masala, the choice of ingredients is crucial. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, aromatic flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved. The key players like chicken, ginger, and garlic work together to build a foundation of flavor, while the Greek yogurt adds creaminess that balances the spices. This thoughtful selection ensures a dish that’s not only delicious but also satisfying.

• 1 (1 1/2) inch knob ginger, peeled – Fresh ginger adds a zingy brightness and depth to the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled – Essential for a fragrant base, garlic brings warmth and flavor.
• 1/2 large yellow onion, peeled – Adds sweetness and a rich texture to the sauce.
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes – The star of the dish, chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
• 1 1/2 Tbsp garam masala spice blend, divided – A blend of spices that defines this dish, giving it that authentic taste.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided – Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste – Adds a rich, tangy depth to the sauce.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground paprika – Provides a subtle smokiness and color to the dish.
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, more or less to taste – For that extra kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – The base of the sauce, providing acidity and sweetness.
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (I used fat-free, any kind will work fine though) – Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish and balances the flavors.
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves – Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch and freshness as a garnish.

Recipe Directions for Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

Let’s dive into the process of making Quick Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s straightforward and enjoyable, perfect for any home cook. You’ll see how the simple steps lead to an incredible result that will impress your family and friends.

1. Start by pulsing the ginger and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. This will create a fragrant base for your dish. You want a smooth consistency, so don’t rush the process. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop them by hand, though it may take a bit more time!

2. Next, add the onion to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. The onion adds sweetness and body to your sauce. Ensure you process it well, so there are no large pieces left behind.

3. In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 1/2 tsp of garam masala and 1 tsp salt. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavor before cooking. Make sure every piece is well coated.

4. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes, rotating halfway through. This will ensure they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate.

5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Add the chopped onion mixture and sauté until the onions have softened, around 3 minutes. This step releases all those delicious flavors into the oil, which will form the base of your sauce.

6. Add the tomato paste, remaining 1 Tbsp of garam masala, paprika, and cayenne to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This helps to bloom the spices, enhancing their flavors.

7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt to taste. Stir the mixture occasionally and let it simmer until hot, which should take about 2 minutes. The sauce should start to thicken slightly, indicating it’s ready for the next step.

8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and let it cook for an additional minute to warm through. This step allows the chicken to soak up the rich flavors of the sauce.

9. Remove from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice. The yogurt will make the sauce creamy and rich, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness. Mix well until everything is combined.

10. Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala warm over basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the warmth of this dish!

Tips and Variations

To truly enjoy your Quick Chicken Tikka Masala, here are some tips and variations you can try. They’ll help you customize this dish to suit your taste and needs.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken tikka masala for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with warm naan or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Variations: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with paneer or tofu.
• Richer sauce: For a creamier texture, feel free to add a splash of heavy cream along with the Greek yogurt.
• Herbal touch: Adding a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce can boost the nutritional value.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more garam masala or paprika based on your preference.

Serving Options for Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

When it comes to serving Quick Chicken Tikka Masala, the options are as delightful as the dish itself. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Basmati Rice: Serve your chicken tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice, which absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Warm Naan: Pair it with warm, pillowy naan bread for dipping. It’s perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
• Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even casual weeknight meals.
• Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves not only add a pop of color but also enhance the flavor!
• Comfort Food: Ideal for cozy nights in, it warms both your heart and belly.
• Festive Touch: Serve during festive occasions or holidays for a special treat that everyone will love.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Quick Chicken Tikka Masala is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a standout choice for any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe at home, as it’s not only easy to prepare but also a surefire way to impress family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that brings warmth and joy to your table. Don’t hesitate; whip it up tonight and enjoy this wonderful taste of comfort!

Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

The ultimate comfort food, Quick Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, spiced dish that's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken in a flavorful sauce will have everyone craving more. Make it tonight for a delightful family meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 (1 1/2) inch ginger peeled
• 4 cloves garlic peeled
• 1/2 large yellow onion peeled
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 Tbsp garam masala spice blend divided
• Salt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 1/2 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper more or less to taste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (I used fat-free, any kind will work fine though)
• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Blender
• Peeler
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Food Processor

Method

 

1. Pulse ginger and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add onion and pulse until finely chopped.
2. Toss chicken with 1 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook, rotating halfway through cooking, until cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes total. Transfer chicken to a plate.
4. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in same skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion mixture and saute until onions have softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste, remaining 1 Tbsp garam masala, paprika, and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt to taste, and cook stirring occasionally until mixture is hot, about 2 minutes.
7. Return chicken to pan and cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat, stir in Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
8. Serve warm over basmati rice topped with cilantro leaves.

Notes

• Tip 1: For a homemade garam masala spice blend (which I recommend using) whisk together: 2 Tbsp ground cumin, 2 Tbsp ground coriander, 1 1/2 Tbsp ground black pepper, 1 Tbsp ground cardamom, 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg. The blend listed here will make enough to make this recipe 4 times so it's quicker the next few times you make it.
• Tip 2: To make it a little richer sometimes I like to substitute 1/4 cup heavy cream for 1/4 cup of the yogurt. Both ways are delicious though.
• Tip 3: You can let it simmer longer if needed if the canned tomatoes used were watery. If the canned tomatoes were thick you can add a few Tbsp of water if needed to thin the sauce mixture.

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Meet Zara Knight

I founded Zest Home Recipes because I believe home cooking should never be boring. My mission is to wake up your palate with recipes that are vibrant, easy, and full of life. I personally cook, photograph, and approve every dish on this site to ensure it brings a spark of joy and a burst of flavor to your kitchen table.