Recipe Time: Chicken Tikka Masala

So, this is one of my favorite recipes right now. I have always loved Indian food and this is a great recipe with authentic flavors and beautiful colors! It does take some time to prepare, so plan ahead. Most of the time, you're just letting the meat marinate and the longer it marinates, the better it tastes!

Yummy marinade - it makes everything better!

The ingredient list is long with a few spices you might not normally have on hand, but I easily found them at the grocery store. Try it! I know it'll become a family favorite.

Chicken Tikka Masala - from Jodi Kilpack's novel English Trifle

Marinade

• 1 cup plain greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (or less for a smaller kick)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breast (I like the thighs better for this)

             Combine all ingredients in a ziploc gallon sized bag. Knead the mixture so the chicken and spices are evenly distributed. Allow the chicken to marinate at least one hour in the fridge (but you can marinate it overnight as well).
             After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and broil or grill the chicken until cooked. The marinade is thick and may cook off. You don't need to save it.

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon of butter or oil
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 jalapeno minced (I usually leave this out)
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 cup whipping cream (You can use half and half or milk as well, but it won't be as rich)
• Cooked Rice

              Melt the butter in a large skillet and add the garlic and jalapeno. Cook about a minute. Add the spices and tomato sauce, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes (this is a good time to start cooking the rice). After simmering, add the cream and cook until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and cook a few minutes. Serve over rice.

Sorry I don't have a finished photo! It's just too good to wait to eat it! I like to heat up some frozen veg mix and put it on top of rice and then top with the chicken and sauce. :) I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!