Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
- Marinade
- ¾ cup plain yogurt, whole-milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
- Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
- Sauce (continued)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- To serve
- fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- cooked basmati rice or naan
Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
- In a large bowl, stir together all the marinade ingredients except the chicken.
- Add the chicken and toss until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter with the oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and golden.
- Add the garlic, ginger and tomato paste and stir until the paste darkens a shade.
- Add all the sauce spices and stir constantly until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in the sugar and salt.
- Bring to a bubble, turn the heat to low, set the lid ajar and simmer, stirring now and then.
Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
- While the sauce simmers, move an oven rack 6 inches below the broiler and heat the broiler to high. Line a sheet pan with foil and set a wire rack on it.
- Lift the chicken out of the marinade, letting the extra drip off, and spread it on the rack in one layer. Throw away the leftover marinade and wash your hands.
- Broil until the chicken is charred in spots.
- Turn the pieces with tongs and broil until the second side is spotty and browned. It doesn't need to be cooked through yet.
- Stir the cream into the sauce, then add the chicken and any juices from the pan.
- Simmer gently, uncovered, until the largest piece of chicken reads 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Weeknight Chicken Tikka Masala
- Taste and add salt or cayenne if you like. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
- Cook to 165°F inside (check with a thermometer).