Quick Chicken Tikka Masala
Try this Quick Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Quick Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tsp ground paprika
- 1 1/2- inch knob ginger peeled
- 1/2 large yellow onion peeled
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 tbsp garam masala spice blend divided (see notes)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper more or less to taste
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (i used fat-free any kind will work fine though)
- cooked jasmine or basmati rice for serving
- Carbohydrate 4.60807499820647 g
- Cholesterol 98.656340475 mg
- Fat 3.98683264589077 g
- Fiber 0.960268765023059 g
- Protein 40.0359143368869 g
- Saturated Fat 0.831134307919523 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (205g)
- Sodium 116.723952683694 mg
- Sugar 3.64780623318341 g
- Trans Fat 0.639060870359036 g
- Calories 222 calories
Step-by-step
- Pulse ginger and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add onion and pulse until finely chopped.
- Toss chicken with 1 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt.
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook, rotating halfway through cooking, until cooked through, about 6 - 7 minutes total.
- Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion mixture and saute until onions have softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, remaining 1 Tbsp garam masala, the paprika, and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt to taste, and cook stirring occasionally until mixture is hot, about 2 minutes (you can let it simmer longer if needed if the canned tomatoes used were watery. If the canned tomatoes were thick you can add a few Tbsp of water if needed to thin the sauce mixture).
- Return chicken to pan and cook 1 minute longer.
- Remove from heat, stir in Greek yogurt and lemon juice.
- Serve warm over rice topped with cilantro.
Quick Chicken Tikka Masala: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, a quick and satisfying dinner is often my saving grace. That’s where this Quick Chicken Tikka Masala recipe comes in. It's a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I need something flavorful and ready in under 30 minutes.
Forget complicated recipes with long ingredient lists and hours of prep time. This Chicken Tikka Masala is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers the rich and aromatic flavors that are characteristic of this classic dish. I’ve adapted it from a favorite recipe, simplifying the process while ensuring maximum deliciousness. The key is using pre-chopped ingredients and simple cooking techniques. The result? A restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in my own kitchen.
The vibrant colors and intoxicating aroma alone are enough to make everyone at the dinner table happy. The tender chicken, bathed in a creamy, subtly spiced tomato sauce, is irresistible. Served over fluffy rice, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it’s the perfect comfort food, perfect for a casual weeknight meal or even a more formal dinner party. My kids absolutely love it, and even my picky husband can't get enough. The best part? I can easily double or triple the recipe for leftovers, which makes meal prepping a breeze.
What makes this recipe so special? Beyond its incredible speed and convenience, it’s all about the balance of flavors. The warmth of the garam masala, the slight kick of the cayenne pepper, the tang of the lemon juice, and the creamy texture of the Greek yogurt all come together beautifully. It’s a symphony of flavors in every bite. I’ve found that using good quality ingredients really elevates the dish. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for a vibrant flavor profile. Don't skimp on the spices! I encourage you to experiment with the amount of cayenne pepper to adjust the spice level to your preference.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. You can easily adapt it to your dietary needs. For example, I often use fat-free Greek yogurt to make it a little lighter. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few more minutes. You can also add other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to make it a more complete meal. And if you happen to have leftover cooked chicken, you can further shorten the cooking time. It's a recipe that truly evolves with your preferences and what you have on hand.
But let's talk about convenience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients—just straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Even if you're not an experienced cook, you'll be able to whip up this delicious dish. It's a perfect recipe for those busy days when you need a comforting and satisfying meal but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The whole process, from start to finish, takes about half an hour, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy your meal with family or friends.
This Quick Chicken Tikka Masala recipe has become a staple in our home, a reliable go-to when I'm short on time but craving something delicious and flavorful. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to my family’s table and leaves me with a sense of accomplishment after a long day. Give it a try, and I'm confident it will become a cherished addition to your own weeknight repertoire. You'll wonder why you ever struggled to find a quick and easy dinner before.
Beyond the recipe: This dish isn't just about the food; it’s about the memories it creates. The aroma filling the kitchen, the happy chatter around the dinner table, and the sense of warmth and connection it brings—these are the moments that make cooking so rewarding. I encourage you to experiment, adapt the recipe to your taste, and share it with loved ones. That's the magic of cooking, the ability to create something delicious and meaningful, all while celebrating the joy of food and family.
So, go ahead, try this Quick Chicken Tikka Masala recipe tonight! Let me know in the comments how it turns out. I love hearing about your culinary adventures!
