Chicken Tikka Masala



Here's a nice little Indian dish for ya. Actually, the name is deceiving. As Google taught me, tikka masala is actually not a traditional Indian dish any may have even originated in Britain, even though it is popular at Indian restaurants. Anyways, the sauce is very delicious. As Michael says, what isn't with whipping cream?! The chicken could've used more flavor, but we may have cooked it too long in the initial browning, so it may not have been able to soak up enough flavor on the second round of its cooking. If we make it again, we'll increase the amount of spice we put on the chicken (1/2 tsp just does not go very far). We served it over jasmine rice. Modified from Eating Well. Serves 4.

Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons garam masala (specialty spice - we found it at Harris Teeter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 an extra large sweet onion, diced (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1 28-ounce can tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/3 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

  1. Stir together garam masala, salt and turmeric in a small dish.
  2. Place flour in a shallow dish.
  3. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the spice mixture and dredge in the flour. (Reserve the remaining spice mix and 1 tablespoon of the remaining flour.)
  4. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, onion and ginger and cook, stirring often, until starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
  6. Add the reserved spice mix and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle with the reserved 1 tablespoon flour and stir until coated.
  7. Add tomatoes and their juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring often, until thickened and the onion is tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Stir in cream. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
  9. Garnish with cilantro.

21 comments:

Chef E said...

One of my favs, and your right it is a more English'ized and Americanized dish like Chinese food, but still is good!

Unknown said...

ha, it would contain whipping cream, wouldn't it... ah well, it's still a winner in my book :)

Cakebrain said...

I love Indian food. Unfortunately, no one else in my house does! I'm going to have to invite myself over next time you make it! it looks delicious!

Ivy said...

Chicken tikka masala is one the recipes I have bookmarked years ago and never made yet. Thanks for reminding me of it and might make it soon.

pam said...

Whipping cream makes everything better!

Heather S-G said...

Well, I couldn't tell by looking that it lacks any flavor...YUM! This sounds truly delicious and I'm going to take your advice and make some soon...since I seem to be craving it now!

Conor @ Hold the Beef said...

They do make good Indian over in the UK! Almost as good as you ;)

Jenn@slim-shoppin said...

My sister makes a similar dish all the time, yours looks wonderful. It would be great to eat for lunches during the week!!

Delicious Dishings said...

I'm not a huge fan of Indian food, but I do love tikka masala... maybe it's possible origination in Britain explains that. It sounds simple enough to make. If I can convince myself to get garam masala for this one recipe, I will give it a try! Maybe I can find a small packet. Gorgeous picture!

Hornsfan said...

Looks great - I've been craving Indian food lately - will have to make this one : )

Rose said...

Oh whipping cream, no wonder! Looks wonderful :) I love Indian food (even the non-traditional kind)!

Trissa said...

I did hear that before - that this dish originated in Britain - how interesting - I wonder how that happened? In any case, your version looks delicious - a must try!

Biz said...

I just started making Indian food and I love chicken tikka masala - I love how the spices just roll over your tongue - so flavorful!

Yours looks delicious!

Dewi said...

I like this specialty, very flavorful and exotic too !

Velva said...

This looks quite tasty! I would love it.

Dee said...

Mmm, this looks so good. I love this dish but have never made it at home. I believe you have made me re-think that! Bookmarking this recipe. Have a wonderful weekend.

♥peachkins♥ said...

it looks fantastic!

Joyti said...

Yes, Indian restaurant food is not the same as authentic Indian food. But it can be similar and delicious.
And your tikka masala must the most beautiful I've ever 'seen' - what a gorgeous photograph!

grace said...

i've heard that turmeric has anti-cancer properties, so that's just an added bonus to a great dish!

Olga @ MangoTomato said...

Indian is one of my most favorite cuisines. Love the pretty pinkish red of the final dish.

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

Printed and waiting for the cook, in the house. That's me.

Thanks for so many great recipes.

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