There was an Indian restaurant that opened in my neighborhood recently. I was so excited about the restaurant’s opening even though I had never eaten Indian food. Hence, I was still looking forward to the opportunity to experience Indian cuisine. However, I waited a couple of weeks to dine at the restaurant because of the large volume of customers frequenting the new establishment. Since I knew very little about Indian cuisine, I allowed the staff to guide my food choice. They were very helpful in suggesting numerous dishes on the menu. I ultimately ordered the grilled chicken tikka masala and I can say I was very happy with my choice.
Hands down grilled chicken tikka masala is one of the most flavorful dishes that I have ever eaten. It’s delicious, it’s spicy, and I could see myself eating this dish several times a month. The dish seems so complex with its unique blend of spices, yogurt, and cream making up a collection of flavors that I had never experienced before. Equally delicious, is a Mexican Layered Chicken Casserole you are sure to love that is on the website. Furthermore, try that recipe too and let me know how you like it?
Embark on Bold Flavors
The restaurant was very small and intimate, so when you walk in your nose is inundated by the strong pungent smell of all the rich spices used in the Indian cuisine. Once you get past the distinctive fragrance of all the spices the dining experience is amazing.
The grilled chicken tikka masala was so delicious. Clearly, this dish will become one of my favorite dishes. As I sat there feasting on this wonderful dish I was thinking to my self, there is no way I could duplicate this dish at home. Well that couldn’t be any further from the truth.
Months later I came across a recipe on Pinterest for chicken tikka masala that seemed simple enough to make. Without a second thought, I decided I would give the dish a try, and the rest is history. Finally, I came across a recipe for the dish. A lot of the ingredients needed for the chicken tikka masala can be found in most kitchen pantries. Let’s just say I’ve had grilled chicken tikka masala on several occasions, and it was prepared right in my own kitchen.
Experience Rich Vibrate Spice Blends
I think our foods are more alike than different. Clearly, it has more to do with how we combine the foods, spices, and ingredients that we cook with.
- I feel you have to be opened to new spice blends.
- Be willing to experience spices such as curry, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cilantro together in a different combination! Well, of course, we must invite sugar and salt to the spice party. It’s not every day that I cook with this many spices in one dish. However, it is nice to know that by combining so many spices you can experience such bold flavors in one dish.
Whether you pair this dish with Basmati rice or Naan bread or any flat bread you might have on hand, you’ll want to use it to help get every delicious drop of that flavorful sauce. This dish is sure to be a delicious cultural experience you will not likely forget. In fact, after trying the grilled chicken tikka masala you are sure to be open to trying other Indian cuisines.
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- 2 tablespoons butter (ghee-clarified butter) or vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ cayenne pepper (more if you like heat)
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken short thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 cup cooked Basmati rice
- Naan bread (optional)
- Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
- In a small bowl combine the following spices: cumin, coriander, salt, cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. In time, this spice blend will be used as a part of the chicken marinate.
- Use half the spice blend as the chicken marinate. Cut the chicken breast and thighs into ½ to 1- inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces into a medium bowl. Add the ¼ cup heavy whipping cream and half the spice blend to the chicken. Thoroughly combine the chicken with the whipping cream and spices until the pieces are evenly coated. This intern will enhance the flavor of the chicken. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. However, when using butter be aware of its low smoke point. Add the onions to the skillet, cooking them until they are translucent about four minutes. Stir in garlic; cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the last of the spice blend to the skillet, cook for another 1 and ½ minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce to the onion mixture constantly stirring. Add the remaining heavy whipping cream, paprika, and sugar. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Heat the oil on a grill pan over medium heat. As a result, grill the chicken on the grill pan until lightly browned on all sides, about 3 minutes.
- Once the chicken has been grilled, add the chicken, sugar, curry, salt (optional) and any pan juices to the sauce.
- Simmer the grilled chicken in the sauce for 25 minutes. However, this in term allows the flavor to develop. Serve grilled chicken tikka masala with Basmati rice, Naan bread, and garnish with cilantro.
Loved it!
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, I really appreciate you stopping by!