Creating an Affordable Chicken Tikka Masala at Home

Key Takeaway: Enjoy the rich flavors of chicken tikka masala without breaking the bank. Learn how to make this classic dish using cost-effective ingredients and simplified steps.

Love chicken tikka masala but find it pricey to order? Discover how to replicate this beloved Indian dish at home, keeping it budget-friendly without compromising on taste.

Mastering Chicken Tikka Masala on a Budget

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marinade:

• 240g full-fat yogurt
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1.25 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp paprika
• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2-inch knob of ginger, grated
• 900g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce:

• Vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 2-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1-2 tsp cayenne powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
• Salt to taste
• Optional: cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinating the Chicken

• In a large bowl, mix yogurt, salt, garam masala, paprika, garlic, and ginger.
• Add chicken thighs, coat well, and marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

2. Cooking the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
• Sear marinated chicken thighs in batches until browned (2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

3. Making the Sauce

• In the same pan, add more oil if needed and reduce heat to medium.
• Sauté sliced onion, ginger, and garlic until softened (3-5 minutes).
• Season with salt to draw out moisture for quicker cooking.
• Add paprika, cayenne powder, garam masala, and sugar. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Creating the Base

• Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir, and let it reduce for 5 minutes.
• Optional step: Blend the sauce until smooth for a finer texture.

5. Simmering with Chicken

• Return blended sauce to the pan over low heat.
• Add seared chicken thighs and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

6. Adding Cream and Finalizing

• Stir in heavy whipping cream and simmer for an additional 7-8 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Serving Your Chicken Tikka Masala

• Serve hot with steamed rice for a complete meal.
• Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Conclusion: Savory Delights on a Budget

By following these straightforward steps, you can enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of chicken tikka masala at a fraction of the cost of dining out. The use of yogurt-based marinade and fewer spices simplifies the recipe without compromising on the essence of this iconic dish.

Experiment with spice levels and additional garnishes to suit your preferences. Whether cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this budget-friendly chicken tikka masala recipe promises satisfaction and culinary delight every time. Embrace the challenge of creating gourmet meals affordably and enjoy the savory rewards.

This recipe proves that with a bit of ingenuity and strategic ingredient selection, you can savor restaurant-quality dishes without the restaurant bill. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade feast that’s as economical as it is delicious. Happy cooking!

With these steps, you’ll not only save money but also gain confidence in preparing complex flavors at home. Dive into the world of homemade Indian cuisine and discover the joys of cooking with spice, warmth, and creativity.