Lazy Chef's Delight: The Most Convenient Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

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Are you looking for an easy chicken recipe that can be prepared at home with minimum effort? Look no further than Chicken Tikka Masala, a delightful and flavorful dish that is both quick and convenient to make. This recipe is designed for busy, lazy food lovers who cherish good cuisine without the hassle of extensive preparation. Let's dive into the recipe that promises to become your go-to meal!

Ingredients and Marinating Process

The key to a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala lies in the perfect marinating process. Begin early in the evening, when you can relax and prepare your delicious meal without breaking the rhythm of your day. Here’s a detailed guide to get you started.

Marinating Chicken:

Chop onions, red capsicum, green capsicum, and seedless tomatoes into smaller pieces for easy cooking. In a pan, heat some mustard oil. Once heated, place it aside for later use. Create a marinade by combining hung curd, salt, spices (such as red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, black pepper powder, kashmiri red chili powder, and black salt), ground ginger, and finely chopped coriander leaves. Blend them well to form a smooth consistency. Dip the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the marinated chicken in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.

Preparing the Marinade and Marinating the Veggies:

Chop the onions, ginger, garlic, and cashew nuts. Roast them in the heated mustard oil pan until they become fragrant. Add finely chopped tomatoes and green chilies, and roast again. Let it cool down slightly before blending all the ingredients together to form a smooth paste. Mix the blended paste with the remaining marinade ingredients, including a bit of salt, dried fenugreek leaves, and a little water from the hung curd. Stir thoroughly.

Preparing the Chicken Tikka Masala

Place some oil in a pan and add star anise, cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and cumin seeds. Roast them together until aromatic. Add the blended paste and roast it with the roasted onions and cashew nuts. Cook on medium flame until the fat separates. For the gravy: Prepare a separate pan, heat oil and add dried whole red chilies and finely chopped onions. Sauté until translucent. Add finely chopped tomatoes and long chopped green chilies. Cook slightly, reducing flame to medium. Season with kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, roasted cumin powder, sugar, and the ground paste from step 3. Stir well and allow the mixture to release fat. Add the remaining marinade, some salt, and dried fenugreek leaves. Adjust the flame to low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Finally, add the roasted chicken and mixed vegetables. Cook on slow flame for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.

The result is a delectable Chicken Tikka Masala that not only tastes wonderful but also provides a satisfying meal option for those with busy schedules. The secret lies in the early preparation and the quality of the ingredients. This recipe ensures your chicken is well-marinated, enhancing its flavor and tenderness, while the sauce is a perfect blend of spices and flavors.

Cooking Tips:

Ensure the marinade is well mixed and the chicken pieces are fully coated. This helps in even distribution of flavors. Don't rush the cooking process, especially for the gravy, as it requires a slow simmer to develop its rich flavors. Adjust the spices and herbs to your taste by adding more or less, depending on your preference.

Summary and Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is not just a fast and convenient dish; it is a taste experience that combines the best of Indian cooking with the simplicity of a quick meal. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic flavor at home, without the need for extensive cooking skills. Whether you are looking for lazy weekend dinners or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is your go-to dish. Try it today and experience the delightful comfort of Chicken Tikka Masala!