Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 whole nutmeg
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp whole cloves
• 2 Tbsp cumin seeds
• 3 Tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 Tbsp cardamom
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes — for heat, optional
• 1 cup full fat yogurt
• 2 inches ginger — grated
• 2 cloves garlic — grated
• 1 Tbsp homemade curry powder
• to taste - Kosher salt
• to taste - freshly ground pepper
• a drizzle - olive oil — inferred value
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 inches ginger — grated for sauce
• ½ small yellow onion — finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic — grated for sauce
• 1 small bird's eye chili — finely minced
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 heaping Tbsp homemade curry powder
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• a pinch - white sugar — to offset acidity
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• - - long grain basmati rice — for serving, optional
• - - cilantro — for garnish, optional

Steps

1. 1

   Make the curry powder by toasting the cinnamon stick, nutmeg, bay leaves, cloves, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cardamom, and red pepper flakes in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.

   ▶ 0:34
2. 2

   Remove the spices from heat and grind them in a spice grinder until fine. Add freshly grated nutmeg and mix well.

   ▶ 1:33
3. 3

   Prepare the chicken marinade by combining yogurt, grated ginger, grated garlic, homemade curry powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.

   ▶ 2:19
4. 4

   Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and mix them into the marinade. Allow to marinate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours.

   ▶ 3:07
5. 5

   Preheat the broiler. Spread the marinated chicken on a broiler pan and broil for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

   ▶ 3:17
6. 6

   While the chicken is broiling, prepare the tikka masala sauce. In a large saucepan, heat vegetable oil until shimmering.

   ▶ 3:41
7. 7

   Add finely minced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Then add grated ginger, grated garlic, minced chili, tomato paste, and curry powder. Toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   ▶ 3:45
8. 8

   Add the crushed tomatoes and a pinch of sugar to the saucepan. Cook for about 5 minutes.

   ▶ 3:49
9. 9

   Stir in the heavy cream and mix well. Add the broiled chicken to the sauce and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.

   ▶ 3:59
10. 10

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve over basmati rice and garnish with cilantro if desired.

    ▶ 4:03