Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice Recipe

 Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice is a dish that captures the heart of Indian cuisine. It’s a beloved favorite not only in India but across the globe, celebrated for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and aromatic spices. Paired with fragrant basmati rice, this dish is everything comfort food should be—warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a first-timer, this recipe will guide you through creating a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or equal parts minced ginger and garlic)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 ½ cups tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Basmati Rice:

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 whole cloves (optional for added aroma)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices in a large bowl.
2. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is best for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan, skillet, or broiler on medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan or tray.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Tikka Masala Sauce

1. Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped onions until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, garam masala, coriander, and chili powder (if using). Allow the spices to bloom for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add sugar if desired, and season with salt to taste.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Basmati Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Bring the water to boil in a medium saucepan. Add oil or butter, salt, and cloves (if using).
3. Stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the rice to rest, covered, for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the Chicken Tikka Masala alongside a generous scoop of basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and herby flavor. Serve with naan bread or papadums for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavors. Ground spices lose their potency over time, so make sure yours are fresh.
• Marinate the chicken for as long as possible. The yogurt tenderizes the meat, and the spices infuse it with flavor.
• Balance the flavors. If the sauce tastes too tangy, a touch of sugar or additional cream can smooth it out.
• Don’t overcook the rice. Keep the heat low and resist the urge to peek while it cooks.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potato.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the tikka masala over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Spice Level: For a milder dish, use less chili powder or omit it altogether. For more heat, add fresh chili peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Tikka Masala pairs beautifully with buttery naan or roti. For a touch of freshness, include a side of cucumber raita or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, try adding a dollop of homemade chutney for a sweet and tangy kick.

This recipe brings the irresistible flavors of India right into your kitchen. Each bite is a symphony of rich spices, creamy sauce, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful dish together—it’s sure to become a household favorite!