Chicken Tikka Masala

Description

Chicken tikka masala is a dish consisting of roasted marinated chicken chunks (chicken tikka) in a spiced sauce. The sauce is usually creamy and orange-coloured. The dish was popularised by cooks from India living in Great Britain and is offered at restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided, or more to taste
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 4 long skewers
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
2. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3. Preheat a grill for high heat.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate.
5. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade.
6. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
7. Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
8. Sauté garlic and jalapeño for 1 minute.
9. Season with remaining 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
10. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
11. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes.
12. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
13. Serve over rice.