This simple 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 preferred dish on the menu of any Indian restaurant within the States. Satirically, this dish originated in the UK and is taken into account Britain’s nationwide dish. My lighter model makes use of yogurt as a substitute of cream which additionally provides some additional protein, and is fantastic served over rice. I even have a sluggish cooker model within the Skinnytaste Quick and Sluggish Cookbook, this Salmon Tikka Masala and Immediate Pot Hen Tikka Masala (which can be dairy-free).
Hen Tikka Masala has change into a worldwide phenomenon, beloved for its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender hen. There isn’t any commonplace recipe for tikka masala. In reality, a 1998 survey discovered that the one frequent ingredient in 48 completely different hen tikka masala recipes was the hen. So, we most likely all have completely 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 mates. 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 chunk.
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 discovered a recipe from a throwdown with Bobby Flay from an previous Indian restaurant in New York. I gave it one other shot utilizing yogurt and milk as a substitute 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 rely 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 home made model is made with lighter components, and portion management is essential. Right here 3/4 cup is about 250 energy, not together with rice.
Elements
Right here’s all the things you could make this fast and straightforward 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 Elements: This hen tikka masala with out heavy cream makes use of 1% milk and plain, complete milk yogurt (not Greek yogurt).
- Spices: Cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, kosher salt
- Hen: Reduce boneless skinless hen breasts into bite-sized items.
- Cilantro for garnish and coloration
Easy methods to Make Hen Tikka Masala
My simplified model of conventional hen tikka masala is far quicker and simpler, and a lot of the cooking time is hands-off because the sauce simmers. The entire directions are within the recipe card beneath.
- 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 cook dinner for two minutes.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the tomatoes and milk into the pan and simmer on low till the sauce thickens.
- 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.
- Hen: Add the uncooked hen and simmer till cooked by. High with contemporary cilantro earlier than serving.
Variations
- Turmeric: Some folks commented that the turmeric made the sauce style bitter, so be at liberty 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 Strategies
- 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 when you have leftovers that may go dangerous earlier than you’ve got time to eat them, you possibly can attempt freezing the sauce for 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave till heat or heat on the range.
Butter Hen vs Hen Tikka Masala
Whereas hen tikka masala and butter hen each include hen in creamy, tomato sauces seasoned with Indian spices, they’re completely different dishes. Butter hen originated in India, not like tikka masala, which is a British Indian dish. Butter hen can be usually sweeter and fewer spicy than tikka masala.
Extra Indian Delicacies Impressed Dishes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Measurement: 3 /4 cup hen and sauce
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Warmth oil in a big heavy skillet over medium warmth. Add the onions and cook dinner till golden, about 3 minutes.
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Add the crushed ginger, stir for 1 minute then add the garlic and cook dinner one other minute. Add cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt; combine properly till aromatic, about 2 minutes.
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Stir in tomatoes and milk. Simmer on low warmth till sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
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Mood the yogurt: Place the yogurt in a bowl and add 1/2 cup of the sauce to the yogurt and stir. Add it to the sauce and blend properly.
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Add hen and simmer for 10 – quarter-hour or till cooked by.
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Add a beneficiant quantity of chopped cilantro and serve with Basmati Rice or Naan, if desired.
Final Step:
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Serving: 3 /4 cup hen and sauce, Energy: 249 kcal, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 30.5 g, Fats: 8 g, Saturated Fats: 2 g, Ldl cholesterol: 90.5 mg, Sodium: 455.5 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 7 g
