Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons tikka masala paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into 1.5-inch cubes and place in a bowl
2. Mix yogurt and 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste together
3. Coat chicken with yogurt mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
5. Cook marinated chicken in batches for 5-7 minutes until lightly charred, set aside
6. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet over medium heat
7. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes
8. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant
9. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon tikka masala paste and cook for 1 minute
10. Add crushed tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper
11. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
12. Stir in heavy cream and sugar, simmer for 5 minutes
13. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through
14. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro
15. Serve over steamed rice or with naan bread

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
• Marinate chicken for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor
• Make the sauce without chicken up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate
• For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper or use more tikka paste
• Crush tomatoes by hand or pulse in a blender for smoother sauce
• Leftover tikka masala keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for 3 months
• A heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly and prevents burning