Chicken Tikka Masala Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken marinated in spices with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
Cookware Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or frying pan
- Pot for cooking rice
- Spoon for stirring
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken.
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Cook the Rice.
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, chili powder, and salt, mixing well.
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken.
In a separate pan, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes). Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to combine.
Serve:
Step 5: Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
With its vibrant spices and creamy sauce, it's sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this hearty meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table!
