The Ultimate Comfort Food: How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala with Lemon Rice

When it comes to comfort food that satisfies your soul and taste buds, few dishes compare to the rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala paired with fragrant Lemon Rice. This culinary masterpiece, often referred to as the crown jewel of Indian cuisine, provides a perfect balance of spices, tender chicken, and aromatic rice, making it an ultimate feast for both beginners and seasoned food enthusiasts alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating this mouthwatering dish from scratch, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For Chicken Tikka Masala:
  • 500g boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 8 oz (about 225g) canned tomato sauce
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• For Lemon Rice:
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 lemon, juice, and zest
  • 1/4 cup peanuts (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

For Chicken Tikka Masala:

1. Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Grill the marinated chicken pieces until nicely charred and cooked through, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the grill and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and jalapeno, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the paprika and tomato sauce, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir in the cream and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

For Lemon Rice:

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil, then add the rice, salt, and oil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
2. In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, and once they start to pop, stir in the peanuts, turmeric, and lemon zest. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the cooked rice and lemon juice. Mix well and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
3. Garnish the lemon rice with fresh cilantro before serving alongside the Chicken Tikka Masala.

Key Takeaways

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Grilling the chicken adds a smoky dimension that complements the creamy masala sauce.
• The Lemon Rice offers a refreshing citrusy balance to the rich masala, completing the dish.
• For a vegetarian alternative, consider replacing chicken with tofu or paneer.

FAQs

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option?

Yes, coconut milk is a great substitute for cream in Chicken Tikka Masala, adding a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and consider adding more jalapeno to the masala sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish less caloric without sacrificing flavor?

To reduce calories, you can use light coconut milk or yogurt instead of cream, and opt for a leaner cut of chicken like breast meat.