Chicken Tikka Masala: Exquisite Chicken Marinated in Spices and Creamy Sauce

Ingredients:

For the marinated chicken:

• 500 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup coconut cream (or heavy cream)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Add chicken pieces and mix well to ensure they are coated with the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.

4. Add grated ginger and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

5. Add tomato puree to the skillet and mix well with the spices. Cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add coconut cream (or heavy cream) to the sauce and mix well. Then, add the roasted chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes to heat the chicken and allow it to blend well with the sauce.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt as needed.

8. Serve the hot Chicken Tikka Masala, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. You can accompany it with basmati rice and naan bread.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!