How to make chicken tikka masala

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that consists of marinated and grilled chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Here is a recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1/2 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon grated ginger

- 1 tablespoon minced garlic

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- Salt, to taste

For the sauce:

- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 1 tablespoon grated ginger

- 1 tablespoon minced garlic

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1 cup heavy cream

- Salt, to taste

- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the chicken pieces in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

3. While the chicken is baking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, and sauté for another minute.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, until it has thickened slightly.

5. Add the baked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir to coat. Add the heavy cream and salt, and let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your homemade chicken tikka masala!

Chicken tikka is a popular Indian dish that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated in spices and yogurt, and then grilled or baked until tender and juicy. The origin of chicken tikka can be traced back to the Mughal era in India, which lasted from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century.

During the Mughal era, Indian cuisine underwent a significant transformation, with the introduction of new cooking techniques and ingredients. One of the most notable contributions was the use of the tandoor, a clay oven that is heated with charcoal or wood. The tandoor was used to cook a variety of dishes, including bread, meat, and vegetables, and it became an integral part of Indian cuisine.

It is believed that chicken tikka was invented by a chef in the Mughal court, who created the dish by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices and cooking it in the tandoor. The result was a flavorful and tender chicken dish that became an instant hit among the royal court and the general public.

Over time, chicken tikka became a popular street food in India, and it eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, it is enjoyed in many countries, including the UK, where it is often served as part of a dish known as chicken tikka masala.

In summary, chicken tikka is a dish with a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the Mughal era in India. Its popularity has endured for centuries, and it remains a beloved dish among people all over the world.