The BEST Chicken Tikka Masala - PoorMansGourmet

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Coconut milk reduces calories while adding creaminess.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chickpeas

Tofu provides a plant-based alternative with lower cost.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt offers similar tang with more protein.

garam masala

🥗Healthier: curry powder

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Curry powder is often more accessible and affordable.

Start by cooking some steamed rice.

Mix together garam masala, red chili powder, cumin, turmeric, coriander, fenugreek powder, cardamom powder, cinnamon, and ground clove until it looks like one seasoning mix.

Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces.

Add a couple heaping tablespoons of the seasoning mix to the chicken.

Add freshly chopped garlic and ginger to the chicken.

Add plain yogurt to the chicken.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the chicken.

Mix everything together thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 3 hours or overnight if preferred.

In a hot pan, drizzle olive oil and spread it evenly across the bottom.

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to get some color.

Flip each piece of chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes, not cooking all the way through.

Set the partially cooked chicken aside in a bowl or on a plate.

In the same pan, melt down some butter.

Add the rest of the chopped garlic and ginger to the pan.

Add chopped red onion and cook, stirring back and forth, for about 7-8 minutes until the onion caramelizes and starts to show color.

Add tomato puree to the pan.

Add a couple heaping tablespoons of the seasoning mix to the tomato puree, adjusting to taste as it cooks.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add cream to the sauce, considering that it will soften the spice flavors.

Stir in the cooked chicken and mix well.

Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Check the thickness of the masala; if you prefer it thinner, add some chicken broth.

Serve the chicken tikka masala over rice and garnish with cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens