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Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce

Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce
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Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce is a rich and creamy Indian curry sauce bursting with bold spices and tangy tomato flavor. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish combines authentic garam masala, cumin, garlic, and ginger with a silky cream base. Perfect for chicken, vegetables, or paneer, it makes a family-friendly and versatile meal that can be adapted for vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

Sauce Base

  • 3 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it with yogurt, salt, ginger, garlic powder, and turmeric. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Sauté the Base: In a large pan, heat butter or ghee over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Stir in minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add the tomato puree to the pan and simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. Sprinkle garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and sugar into the sauce and stir well to combine and brighten the flavors.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces into the sauce. Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Finish with Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and velvety sauce. Let it gently simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors perfectly.

Notes

  • Letting the chicken marinate longer enhances tenderness and flavor absorption.
  • Use freshly ground spices for more aromatic and richer taste.
  • Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • A pinch of sugar or honey balances the acidity of tomatoes.
  • Grilling or pan-searing the chicken before adding to the sauce increases tenderness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Curry, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Easy Indian Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Chicken Curry

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/curry-stand-chicken-tikka-masala-sauce/