Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala - A Flavorful Delight for Your Evening

When it comes to dishes that combine intense flavors with a juicy texture, Chicken Tikka Masala is definitely a recipe that deserves a place of honor in your kitchen. This simple yet sophisticated recipe will bring a touch of magic to your plate, turning an ordinary dinner into a true culinary celebration. Plus, with the quality ingredients offered by Cirio, you'll achieve an exceptional result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 8 skinless chicken thighs
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 400 g Cirio chopped tomatoes with garlic
- 1 tablespoon Cirio tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cube of brown sugar
- 1 medium onion
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- A piece of fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 chili pepper
- A handful of fresh parsley leaves
- 125 g yogurt
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Start by removing the skin from the chicken thighs. This step is essential to reduce fat and make the dish healthier. Wash the thighs under cold running water and dry them well with a paper towel.

2. Marinating the Thighs
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, salt, sweet paprika, and hot paprika. Add the chicken thighs and mix well, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the thighs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, but ideally for 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat well.

3. Preparing the Spices
In a small pan, dry-roast the cumin seeds and coriander seeds without oil over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer them to a plate to cool, then grind them in a mortar or with a food processor. Divide the spices into two portions.

4. Preparing the Sauce
Peel the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper. Finely chop all the ingredients, then add them to a blender along with the leftover marinade from the thighs. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste.

5. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, curry, and half of the ground cumin and coriander seeds. Add the paste obtained earlier and mix well. Now add the marinated chicken thighs and stir to ensure they are well coated with the sauce. Let them chill for at least 2 hours.

6. Cooking the Thighs
In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned.

7. Preparing the Tomato Sauce
Meanwhile, in a blender, add the Cirio chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, ginger (if using powder, add it now), parsley, the sugar cube, and the remaining cumin and coriander seeds. Blend until you achieve a homogeneous sauce.

8. Combining the Ingredients
Remove the thighs from the skillet and add the tomato sauce. Then pour the yogurt mixture over the thighs. Season with salt to taste and let everything simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the thighs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Serving and Suggestions

Chicken Tikka Masala is served hot, accompanied by a side of basmati rice or naan, which will soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad or grilled vegetables can perfectly complement this dish. I chose to serve it with gratin zucchini and tomatoes, and the combination was simply divine!

Practical Tips

- For an even more intense flavor, let the thighs marinate overnight.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can use low-fat yogurt or soy yogurt.
- For a spicy note, you can add more chili pepper or even a few drops of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken Tikka Masala is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken thighs. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breast can dry out more easily, so monitor the cooking time.

- How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
You can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.

- How long can I keep the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later use.

Chicken Tikka Masala is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, giving you the opportunity to experiment with flavors and textures. I encourage you to personalize your recipe, add your own touch, and of course, enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!