Tikka Masala

This is one of my absolute favorite dishes of all time!!!!!!!!  Seriously.  I firsted encountered this lovely dish in culinary school while we were learning about India, and I have made it several times since.  I will admit, it is a process (marinating overnight, grilling, and then simmering for hours).  It is simple, don't worry; just time-consuming!  Which is why I don't make it too often.  HOWEVER, I adapted it to a crockpot, and although it's still a process, the last process--putting it in a crockpot to cook instead of simmering/babysitting it for hours--definitely makes this much easier! 

{Tikka Masala with yogurt sauce and pita}

I made a large batch of this (for two people), and my hubby ATE IT!!!  Which means that I had no leftovers for three days so I could savor every. last. bite.....  *sigh*  He is lucky that I love him!

{Chopping cilantro for the marinade}

{Marinade for chicken}

{Marinated chicken overnight}

{Starting the sauce}

{Sauting the spices}

{Add milk and tomato paste}

{Stir and heat through to mix it well}

{Grill chicken--you just want to get that grilled flavor, the chicken doesn't need to be well done}

{Grilled chicken}

{Place chicken in the crockpot}

{Pour tomato sauce on top}

{Cook for 6-8 hours on low}

One year ago:  Hummus

Tikka Masala

Serves 4

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (sub 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer it)
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder (use less if you don't like it too spicy)
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
8 oz plain yogurt
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon chili flakes (use less if you don't like it too spicy)
1 tablespoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 oz tomato paste (or tomato sauce if you do it on the stove)
12 oz milk
Pita

Crockpot Method (Three Day Method)

1. Place chicken in a container that can be placed in the fridge (for marinating).
2. Mix ginger, garlic, chili powder, cilantro, lemon juice, and olive oil together in a small bowl until well combined.  Add some salt and pepper (just a few shakes each).
3. Rub marinade over chicken and marinate in the fridge overnight.
4. Meanwhile, mix parsley, mint and yogurt together to create the yogurt sauce adding salt and pepper if needed.  Place in fridge overnight.
5. Heat butter in a large skillet until toasty in smell and dark golden in color; add onions and cook until browned on the edges.  Add spices and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Add milk and tomato PASTE; heating through and stirring until combined.  Cool tomato sauce and store in the fridge.
6. The next day, preheat grill to high; add chicken and cook until chicken gets good grill marks on it (about 6 minutes each side).  Place back in the marinade container and set overnight in the fridge.
7. The next day (we are up to two days unless you want to fire your grill at 5 AM to grill the chicken), place chicken in the crockpot and top with tomato sauce. 
8. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is done and tender.
9. Serve chicken with yogurt sauce and pita.

Stovetop Method (Two Day Method)

1. Place chicken in a container that can be placed in the fridge (for marinating).
2. Mix ginger, garlic, chili powder, cilantro, lemon juice, and olive oil together in a small bowl until well combined.  Add some salt and pepper (just a few shakes each).
3. Rub marinade over chicken and marinate in the fridge overnight.
4. Meanwhile, mix parsley, mint and yogurt together to create the yogurt sauce adding salt and pepper if needed.  Place in fridge overnight.
5. The next day, preheat grill to high; add chicken and cook until chicken gets good grill marks on it (about 8 minutes each side). 
6. Heat butter in a large skillet until toasty in smell and dark golden in color; add onions and cook until browned on the edges.  Add spices and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Add milk and tomato SAUCE; heating through and stirring until combined. 
7. Add grilled chicken to the tomato mixture and simmer on medium-low for 1-2 hours or until chicken is done, and sauce is reduced by half.
8. Serve chicken with yogurt sauce and pita.

See what I mean?  Not complicated but definitely time-consuming!  What is your favorite time-consuming dish?

Pin It