Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 65 minutes

This flavorful dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce. The balance of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors makes it an irresistible meal. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar (or more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
  • teaspoon curry powder

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients to ensure everything is ready for cooking.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Saut, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion. Cook for an additional minute, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric into the onion and garlic mixture. Continue to fry the spices for about 2 minutes until they are fragrant and well combined with the onion mixture.

Step 5: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and paprika. Allow the sauce to return to a simmer, cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Step 7: While the sauce is simmering, heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, and sprinkle with curry powder. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes, turning it often, until it is lightly browned but still pink inside.

Step 8: Transfer the seared chicken and any juices from the pan into the simmering tomato cream sauce. Stir well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.

Step 9: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more sugar and salt if needed.

Step 10: Once the dish is ready, serve the chicken and sauce over rice or with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 328
  • Total Fat: 23g (30% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 13g (64% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 106mg (35% DV)
  • Sodium: 981mg (43% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 18g (36% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 9mg (10% DV)
  • Calcium: 68mg (5% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
  • Potassium: 462mg (10% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

FAQ about Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Leftover Chicken Tikka Masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce and chicken mixture for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Tikka Masala in advance. The sauce actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can cook the sauce and chicken ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.

If you don't have ghee, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or vegetable oil. For a healthier option, you can use coconut oil, though this will slightly alter the flavor of the dish.

Absolutely! You can easily make this a vegetarian or vegan dish by substituting the chicken with tofu, paneer, or chickpeas. If you prefer, you can also add steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots.

The level of spiciness in this dish can be adjusted by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper used. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne or add extra chili peppers.

Chicken Tikka Masala pairs wonderfully with basmati rice or naan bread. You can also serve it with roti, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with low-fat cream or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. However, this may slightly change the texture and richness of the sauce.

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and prepare the sauce on the stovetop as per the recipe, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and add the cream towards the end of cooking.

To increase the spiciness of the dish, you can add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even fresh chilies to the sauce. Adjust to your preferred heat level, keeping in mind that some people may find the dish quite spicy if too much is added.

Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Comments

Brandon Lopez

03/20/2024 02:13:00 PM

This recipe is truly amazing. Though it might appear demanding to those unfamiliar with it, every moment spent is absolutely worthwhile. I followed it to the letter, as it is flawless as is. It has now become a regular dish in my household. It freezes excellently, and even as leftovers stored in the refrigerator, it reheats wonderfully.

Jennifer Cruz

10/04/2024 03:35:24 AM

As someone who is conscious about their health and enjoys curry and Indian cuisine, I often make adjustments to recipes to lower the fat and calorie content. This particular recipe exceeded my expectations and surpassed the quality of most Indian restaurants. To make it more health-conscious, I substituted an 8 oz. can of tomato sauce, a 6 oz. can of tomato paste, and 1 cup of fat-free half and half. The tomato paste helped balance the consistency of the fat-free half and half. I replaced ghee with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and used olive oil spray when adding spices to the onions. For the chicken, I marinated it in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then broiled it in the oven before combining it with the tikka curry. The original recipe is undeniably exceptional, and in my opinion, the reduced-fat version is just as stellar. I paired it with whole wheat homemade roti and roasted peppers and green beans. Even my Pakistani husband, known for his discerning palate, was thoroughly impressed by the flavors and couldn't believe it was a healthier version. Thank you for sharing this outstanding recipe that is sure to become a favorite in our home!

Patrick Jackson

06/24/2023 07:48:51 PM

This recipe is fantastic and has helped us save money by eliminating our need to dine out at Indian restaurants. I have a couple of tips if you plan on tweaking it: the ratio of cream to tomato is crucial for getting the right flavor. I used two 8 oz. cans of tomato sauce and adjusted by adding two extra tablespoons of cream, which turned out perfect. Don't forget the curry, it's essential for this dish! Initially, I felt the flavor wasn't quite right before adding the chicken, but once it was incorporated and the curry infused into the sauce... Incredible! If you decide to make a vegetarian version with chickpeas or paneer, I recommend adding the curry directly into the sauce. This recipe is both fantastic and simple to make!

Aaron Roberts

01/02/2023 02:24:31 AM

Rewritten review: This recipe is fantastic! I followed the instructions exactly as written the first time and then made some modifications to create a healthier and quicker version. I decided to make it a "one pot" dish. Due to my cholesterol concerns, I swapped out heavy cream with a can of coconut milk, and it worked perfectly! I also decided to mix all the seasonings with the diced chicken, sautéed the onions first, and then added the chicken to the pan and cooked until it was nicely browned. After that, I added the coconut milk and tomato sauce, simmered on low heat for 10 minutes. This approach made the preparation easier and the dish still tasted delicious, all in less time and with less effort!

Lisa Lee

09/24/2024 05:41:19 PM

Review rewritten: True to its promise, this recipe delivers an authentic taste of British curry stand curry. While it may not be considered gourmet, your friends from the UK might find it nostalgically perfect. For those with Indian friends who studied in England, this dish will be devoured eagerly. The comparison to New York City pizza-by-the-slice versus Tuscan home cooking illustrates how the definition of "authenticity" can vary. We've cooked this dish multiple times with consistent success. It's not only foolproof but also incredibly delicious. The flavors mature beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. This curry sauce also enhances steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots. Making a vegan version is simple by adding steamed veggies, tofu or potatoes, and omitting the cream.

Linda Rivera

05/23/2024 11:39:22 PM

We were extremely pleased with this dish! I incorporated a few recommendations from other reviews. Initially, I sautéed the chicken with a teaspoon of curry powder and then put it to the side. Using the same pan, I cooked the onions and continued with the recipe. I included a teaspoon of garam masala and half a teaspoon of coriander. I also sprinkled in a bit of cayenne, but I will omit that next time as he is quite sensitive to spiciness. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

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