Chicken Tikka Masala

This is a flavorful sauce that starts by sautéing onions, peppers, garlic, and Indian spices together and then adding tomato products and cream to make a fantastic sauce. Tastes even better the next day.

Serve over rice or quinoa with Naan on the side (see Naan recipe under Breads). I don't usually measure ingredients that much, so the sauce turns out a little different each time based on that and what tomato and milk products I have at the time to build it, but it's always great!

This recipe will serve 8

*Cook a large chicken or use a large rotisserie chicken. (Take all the meat off and give it a rough chop). Set meat aside. (You can do this the day before so it is easier). 

Build the Sauce:

2 Tbsp butter plus some evoo (fats)

1 med onion, diced small 

2 jalapeno peppers, diced small (optional- but I love it spicy!)
1 red bell pepper, diced med
1 Tbsp salt (or sub half with bouillon)

6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh minced ginger

2 tsp cumin
3 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp coriander
1 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp cardamom

1/4 tsp cinnamon

3 Tbsp lemon juice (if you don't have this, use sour cream or plain yogurt in place of the milk/cream)

8 oz tomato sauce

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

2 cans coconut milk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 cup cream)

black pepper to taste
*prepared chicken

*sugar if desired

1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (or fresh basil)

Sauté in hot fat the onion and peppers with salt over high heat for about 3 minutes, until starting to soften and brown. 

Turn heat to low and add the garlic and spices, stirring for 3 minutes so they don't burn but begin to release their flavors. 

Bump the heat back up to medium and add the lemon juice and tomato products and stir until well blended. Then add the milks or cream and stir to combine.

Taste for flavorings and adjust as desired. I usually add a tablespoon or two of sugar, and maybe a bit more salt.

Then add in your chicken and simmer on low until sauce reduces and flavors melt, at least 1 hour.  

Serve over rice with fresh cilantro for garnish and Naan on the side