Hen Tikka Masala – Skinnytaste

This straightforward Hen Tikka Masala is made with tender chunks of boneless hen breasts cooked in an fragrant, creamy yogurt-tomato sauce.

Hen Tikka Masala

Hen Tikka Masala might be the most well-liked dish on the menu of any Indian restaurant within the States. Paradoxically, this dish originated in the UK and is taken into account Britain’s nationwide dish. My lighter model makes use of yogurt as an alternative of cream which additionally provides some additional protein, and is fantastic served over rice. I even have a gradual cooker model within the Skinnytaste Quick and Gradual Cookbook, this Salmon Tikka Masala and On the spot Pot Hen Tikka Masala (which can also be dairy-free).

Hen Tikka Masala has develop into a world phenomenon, liked for its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender hen. There isn’t a commonplace recipe for tikka masala. In truth, a 1998 survey discovered that the one widespread ingredient in 48 totally different hen tikka masala recipes was the hen. So, we most likely all have totally different concepts of what it ought to style like.

The Dish That Made Me Fall in Love with Indian Meals

In my fast-paced metropolis life earlier than Skinnytaste, I used to be surrounded by Indian colleagues and buddies. Our weekly lunches at Indian eating places had been a scrumptious journey in exploring new flavors. Hen Tikka Masala, the primary dish I ever tried, it stole my coronary heart from the very first chew.

For years, I attempted to lighten this meal with out all of the cream and ghee (clarified butter), but I by no means felt glad with the outcomes. I nearly gave up, figuring it was only a dish I couldn’t make more healthy till I came upon a recipe from a throwdown with Bobby Flay from an outdated Indian restaurant in New York. I gave it one other shot utilizing yogurt and milk as an alternative of the cream and thought it was nice for an uncomplicated, wholesome hen tikka masala!

Hen Tikka Masala Energy

Hen Tikka Masala can range fairly a bit in calorie depend relying on the recipe and portion dimension. A mean restaurant serving of Hen Tikka Masala can vary from 800 to 1200 energy or much more. It is because eating places usually use butter, cream, and richer components. My do-it-yourself model is made with lighter components, and portion management is vital. Right here 3/4 cup is about 250 energy, not together with rice.

Components

Right here’s the whole lot you should make this fast and simple hen tikka masala recipe, however scroll to the underside for actual measurements.

• Canola Oil or Butter for cooking the onions and spices in
• Aromatics: Minced onion, grated ginger, and crushed garlic infuse the dish with wealthy, fragrant flavors.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes are the bottom of the curry sauce.
• Creamy Components: This hen tikka masala with out heavy cream makes use of 1% milk and plain, entire milk yogurt (not Greek yogurt).
• Spices: Cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, kosher salt
• Hen: Minimize boneless skinless hen breasts into bite-sized items.
• Cilantro for garnish and shade

Methods to Make Hen Tikka Masala

My simplified model of conventional hen tikka masala is far quicker and simpler, and many of the cooking time is hands-off because the sauce simmers. The entire directions are within the recipe card beneath.

1. Aromatics and Spices: In a big skillet, saute the onions, adopted by the ginger after which garlic. Add the cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt and prepare dinner for two minutes.
2. Simmer Sauce: Pour the tomatoes and milk into the pan and simmer on low till the sauce thickens.
3. Mood the Yogurt: To make sure the sauce doesn’t curdle, combine the yogurt with a half cup of heat tomato sauce in a bowl. Stir after which add it to the pot.
4. Hen: Add the uncooked hen and simmer till cooked by. Prime with recent cilantro earlier than serving.

Variations

• Turmeric: Some individuals commented that the turmeric made the sauce style bitter, so be happy to make use of much less.
• Extra Spices: Coriander and cardamom would even be good.
• Spiciness: Add cayenne for some warmth.
• Dairy-Free Hen Tikka Masala: Substitute coconut milk and a non-dairy yogurt.
• Hen: Swap hen breasts for boneless, skinless hen thighs.
• Vegetarian Tikka Masala: Substitute canned chickpeas or tofu for hen.
• Greens: Add spinach, cauliflower, or peas for an additional serving of veggies.
• Don’t like cilantro? Skip it.

Serving Ideas

• Carbs: I prefer to serve hen tikka masala over basmati rice or with naan bread to take in the sauce.
• Low-Carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
• Greens: To spherical out this meal, pair it with a vegetable, like wilted spinach or roasted cauliflower.

Storage

• Fridge: Retailer leftover tikka masala in hermetic containers for as much as 4 days within the fridge.
• Freeze: I usually don’t freeze dishes that comprise dairy, however if in case you have leftovers that may go dangerous earlier than you’ve gotten time to eat them, you may strive freezing the sauce for 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave till heat or heat on the range.

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