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Chicken Tikka Masala

This is a great recipe that requires a bit of effort but the result is fabulous! The combination of flavors is even better the next day.
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 11 hrs
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Tikka Marinade

  • 1 cup Plain Greek or whole milk yogurt
  • 1 Tbl Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tsp Ground cumin
  • 2 Tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 2 Tsp Garam masala
  • 2 Tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 2 Tsp Black pepper
  • 1 Tsp Salt or to taste
  • 4 Cloves Garlic whole
  • 1 Tbl Fresh ginger root minced
  • 3 Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless, cut1.5 inch cubes
  • Skewers

Sauce

  • 3 Tbs Butter
  • 1 Large Onion chopped
  • 2 Cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 Jalapeño peppers diced, removing the seeds (optional)
  • 2 Tsp Ground cumin
  • 2 Tsp Paprika
  • 1 Tbs Garam masala
  • To Taste Salt & pepper
  • 3 Lb Tomatoes roughly chopped
  • 1 Cup Half & half
  • 1 Bunch Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Gather your ingredients together.
  • Mix all of the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  • Fold in the chicken, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  • Chop the chilies.
  • Heat a large skillet to medium high heat and add the butter, garlic and chilies, then sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add the onion and brown until caramelized, cooking for about 20 minutes. Don't rush this process, this brings out the flavor of the sauce.
  • Add the cumin, paprika, and garam masala then cook for a few minutes allowing the flavors to combine and release.
  • Add salt, pepper and chopped tomatoes, cook for 10-15 minutes.
  • Put the sauce in the blender, puree until smooth then return it back to the pan.
  • Add the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • While your sauce is cooking, take the chicken from the refrigerator and place on wooden skewers.
  • Cook the chicken on low broil for 6-10 minutes, turn and cook an additional 4-8 minutes, or until done. Each broiler will vary. You can cook the chicken on the grill if you prefer.
  • Once the chicken is cooked allow it to set for 5 minutes to seal in the flavors.
  • Add the chicken to the sauce once the sauce has thickened, bring your heat up slightly and heat through.
  • Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

This dish goes great with our Paneer Makhani recipe.