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–+ servings

Curry Stand Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce

This tikka masala sauce is bright orange and richly flavored with onion, garlic, spices, tomato sauce, and cream, cooked with tender chicken chunks.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian Inspired
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1″ chunks
  • 2 tbsp ghee clarified butter
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat the ghee: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the ghee until shimmering.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add chopped onion and cook 5–7 minutes until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Toast the spices: Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
  4. Cook the chicken: Add the chicken chunks, coating them well in the spice mixture. Sear 5 minutes until edges are opaque.
  5. Simmer in tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce heat to low, and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer 5 more minutes. Season with salt and adjust spices if needed.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan.
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