The trick is marinating the chicken in yoghurt and then charring it, before tossing into the thick tomato-based sauce.  

Chicken tikka masala

Serves 4 

Ingredients 

For the marinade  

1 cup plain yoghurt  

4 cloves garlic, grated  

1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger  

2 Tbsp garam masala  

1 Tbsp ground cumin  

1 Tbsp ground coriander  

2 Tbsp smoked or regular paprika  

Squeeze of lemon juice  

6-8 chicken breast fillets, cut into large chunks  

Salt and milled pepper 

2 Tbsp canola oil  

2 Tbsp butter 1 onion, finely chopped  

2 Tbsp garlic and ginger paste  

Tbsp smoked or regular paprika  

1 Tbsp ground turmeric  

Pinch ground cardamom  

1 can (410g) tomato purée  

1 Tbsp sugar  

2 cups chicken stock or water  

½ cup cream  

For serving  

Fresh coriander, roughly chopped  

Buttermilk dhai or yoghurt  

Garlic or regular naan, toasted  

 Method

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl. 
2. Season chicken well, add to marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and set aside for at least 30 minutes. 
3. Heat oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. 
4. Fry the onions for about 3-5 minutes or until lightly golden. 
5. Stir through garlic and ginger paste and spices and cook for 1 minute. 
6. Add tomato purée and sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring. 
7. Pour in stock or water, cover partially with a lid and simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. 
8. Heat oil in a large pan over high heat. Brown chicken in batches for about 4-6 minutes, making sure it’s well charred. 
9. Add the chicken and cream to the sauce and cook covered for another 10-12 minutes while stirring occasionally. 
10. Adjust seasoning and stir through coriander. 
11. Serve drizzled with dhai, with naan on the side. 

 Cook’s note  

To make dhai, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 Tbsp chopped coriander and a pinch of chilli flakes in a bowl. Season. Drizzle this over curry to cut through the richness and heat of the spices.  

Recipe & styling: Chad January

Photography: Zhann Solomons

Also read: Cheap chicken recipes (perfect for the chilly weather) 

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