The Best Chicken Tikka Masala

A great British favorite - Chicken Tikka Masala!  If you love curry you will absolutely adore this dish!  

• Difficulty: Easy
• Category: Comfort Food, Curry Night
• Cuisine: Indian
• Cooking Method: One Pot Dish

Ingredients

For the tikka masala mix

• 2 tsp ground corainder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp mild chilli powder
• 2 tsp hot chilli powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

For the marinade

• Basmati rice & Indian breads (to serve)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp hot chilli powder
• 5 garlic cloves (peeled & finely chopped)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 600 g chicken breasts (cut into chunks)

For the curry

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion (finely sliced)
• 1 garlic clove (peeled and finely chopped)
• 3 tomatoes (blanched, peeled & chopped)
• 400 ml coconut cream (or a good quality coconut milk and 100ml of double cream)
• salt & pepper (for seasoning)

To serve

• 1 handful fresh coriander (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Mix together all the spices for the tikka masala mix.
2. To make the marinade for the chicken, mix together 2 tbsp of the tikka masala mix and the other ingredients in a large bowl or freezer bag. Coat the chicken pieces in the spices, cover and leave to marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan until it begins to smoke. Add the chicken until browned. Remove from the pan and place on a warm plate.
4. Add 2 large tsp of tikka masala to the oil in the frying pan with the onions, garlic and tomatoes, fry for 2-3 minutes, until the onions have softened.
5. Add the coconut milk and cream, mix through and add the chicken. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes whilst bringing the sauce to a simmer to allow it to thicken, season to taste.
6. Serve the chicken tikka masala, basmati rice Indian breads and a sprinkling of fresh coriander... Delicious!