Chicken Tikka Masala 🥘
✨ Dinner idea for picky eaters that was actually a hit! My 4-year-old DEVOURed this and kept saying “it’s delicious!” 🍛🤍
Here’s what you’ll need:
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pack chicken thighs, cubed
• Heavy cream
• Coriander, chili powder & cumin
• Butter + olive oil
• Garlic purée
• Ginger purée
• Premade chicken tikka masala simmer sauce (I used the one from Whole Foods)
👩🍳 How to make it:
1. Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a pan on medium heat, then add 1 tbsp butter. Let it melt together.
2. Add garlic + ginger purée and sauté for a minute.
3. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until softened.
4. Add the chicken thighs, mix well, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp coriander, and ½ tsp cumin. Stir together, cover, and simmer another 3 minutes.
6. Pour in the tikka masala simmer sauce, mix well, cover, and let simmer for 6 minutes.
7. Add a splash of heavy cream, stir, and simmer for 2 more minutes.
8. Turn off the heat and top with parsley for garnish ✨
Serve with garlic naan & jasmine rice for the ultimate cozy dinner 🍚🫓
#pickyeaterapproved #lemon8 #lemon8challenge #dinnerideas #indianfood
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish worldwide, known for its rich, creamy sauce and aromatic spices that strike a perfect balance between heat and flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is, especially for those new to Indian cuisine or cooking in general. By using a premade tikka masala simmer sauce, you save time while still capturing the authentic taste. One tip I've found helpful when preparing chicken tikka masala is to marinate the chicken thighs in yogurt mixed with garlic, ginger purée, and a sprinkle of chili powder before cooking. This tenderizes the meat and infuses extra flavor, making each bite more delicious. Also, cooking with both butter and olive oil adds depth; butter brings richness while olive oil offers a lighter base, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy. While this recipe calls for coriander, chili powder, and cumin, feel free to experiment by adding garam masala or turmeric to customize the spice profile according to your preferences. Serving this dish with garlic naan and jasmine rice—as suggested—is ideal because the soft naan helps scoop up the creamy sauce, and the fragrant rice complements the spices beautifully. For families with picky eaters, this chicken tikka masala recipe can be a great gateway to enjoying Indian flavors without overwhelming the palate. The creamy texture and familiar ingredients make it kid-friendly, as echoed by how much my own child enjoyed it. Leftovers reheat wonderfully, so it’s also a convenient option for meal prep. If you want to add a fresh twist, topping the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley as a garnish adds a nice herbal note and a pop of color. Additionally, balancing the heat with a dollop of plain yogurt on the side can soothe spicier versions of the recipe. Overall, this easy-to-follow chicken tikka masala recipe offers a cozy, satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or special dinners. It’s versatile, flavorful, and loved by both adults and kids alike—a sure winner for anyone looking to bring delicious Indian-inspired dishes into their home cooking repertoire.
