Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe - Two Ways!

When Ammon and I were dating, I worked for the Granite School District in SLC with young adults with mild to moderate special needs. We taught them essential life skills like getting a job, operating the bus system, doing laundry, etc. While working there, I became super close to a woman named Preeta. She is from India and moved here with her husband. She brought lunch every single day, and it always smelled so delicious. We got chatting, and before you knew it, I was at her house with her teaching me how to make traditional Indian Curries and dishes. She even took me to an authentic Indian shop to get fresh spices for way cheaper than I was paying at the grocery store. 

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish that's cherished for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. It’s also my favorite that she taught me. While the convenience of store-bought sauces can make cooking faster, there's something special about creating this dish from scratch, letting the aromas fill your kitchen. 

I'm sharing two recipes: one that uses a store-bought sauce (the cheating way), and another that embraces a more traditional approach.

Cheating Way:

Ingredients:

- 1 store-bought Chicken Tikka Masala sauce

- 1 can of diced tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon Cumin

- 1 teaspoon Coriander

- 1 teaspoon Parsley

- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder

- 1 teaspoon Paprika

- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder

- 2 cloves Garlic, minced

- ½ teaspoon Turmeric

- ¼ cup of Butter

- 1 diced Onion, sautéed

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sautéed diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
2. Sprinkle in the spices: cumin, coriander, parsley, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir well to combine.
3. Pour in the store-bought Chicken Tikka Masala sauce and diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly.
4. Allow the sauce to simmer and cook down for about 15-20 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
5. Add cooked chicken or paneer to the sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors.

Serve your delicious Chicken Tikka Masala with freshly made naan and steamed rice for a satisfying meal!

Non-Cheating Way:

Ingredients:

- ½ cup Cashews

- ¼ cup Raisins

- 1 Onion, chopped

- 1 teaspoon Coriander

- 1 teaspoon Cumin

- 3 cloves Garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece of Ginger, grated

- ½ teaspoon Turmeric

- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

- ½ teaspoon Pepper

- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder

- 1 teaspoon Paprika

- 2 tablespoons Garam Masala mix

- 2-3 tablespoons Butter

- 1 large can of diced Tomatoes

- 1 cup Heavy Cream (optional)

- Additional vegetables (optional)

- Chicken and/or Paneer

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine cashews, raisins, and chopped onion. Blend until a smooth paste forms.
2. In a sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cashew-raisin-onion paste and cook for 5-7 minutes until it starts to cook down. 
3. Stir in the spices: coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and garam masala mix. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant. (If you want to get super authentic, you can roast raw spices and grind them yourself.)
4. Add the diced tomatoes and any additional vegetables you prefer. Let the mixture simmer until the butter begins to accumulate at the top.
5. Incorporate the chicken or paneer into the sauce, letting it cook until fully flavored and tender. 
6. Add the cream and cook for a few minutes more. 

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve your aromatic Chicken Tikka Masala alongside naan bread and steamed rice for an authentic dining experience!

Whether you're opting for the quick and easy method or taking the time to create the flavors from scratch, both versions of Chicken Tikka Masala promise a delightful and satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and spices of India in your own kitchen!