This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. All opinions are my own.
Growing up in small town Minnesota, Indian food was not something you could find within 100 miles. Perhaps it was because we lacked any large Indian population, or any extensive knowledge of the culture, or international food in general, but either way, I was well into my 20’s when I finally tried it for the first time, like banana green smoothies and everything red velvet. Chicken Tikka Masala was my first taste of Indian Cuisine, when my favorite Chinese restaurant closed and was replaced with an Indian restaurant run by a local Indian couple.
To say I was nervous about trying Indian food is an understatement. I heard it was super spicy and the flavors were…weird. Looking at the menu, I had no idea what I was going to try, and since it was my family’s first time trying Indian food, they were at an equal loss on how to guide me. Thankfully, however, the owner was amazing and came to my rescue, bringing me a platter of Chicken Tikka Masala and quickly converting me to the wonderful world of Indian food. I don’t know why I was so scared, Indian food is amazing!
I wanted to share this amazingly easy Chicken Tikka Masala because I was inspired by The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movie that is coming to theaters March 6!
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is the expansionist dream of Sonny (Dev Patel), and it’s making more claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai). Sonny has his eye on a promising property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, has only a single remaining vacancy – posing a rooming predicament for fresh arrivals Guy (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tamsin Greig). Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) have now joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are negotiating the tricky waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is newly installed co-manager of the hotel, Muriel (Maggie Smith), the keeper of everyone’s secrets. As the demands of a traditional Indian wedding threaten to engulf them all, an unexpected way forward presents itself.
You can whip up this easy, lighter Chicken Tikka Masala in just 30 minutes, and the flavor is amazing! Starting with the essential seasonings like garam masala, cayenne pepper, and cumin, cook up some cubed chicken, onion, and garlic with coconut oil until softened. Add tomato sauce and coconut milk, then let simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with some deliciously fragrant Basmati rice and naan bread and you have yourself a deliciously amazing dinner on your hands!
Ready to get cooking?
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
- 1 Lbs Chicken Breast cubed
- 1 Yellow Onion diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Grated Ginger
- 3 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 15 oz Can Tomato Sauce
- 2 C Coconut Milk
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- ⅓ C Fresh Cilantro for garnish
- Naan Bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 2 tbsp of the coconut oil, followed by the cubed chicken. Brown the chicken thoroughly on each side, then transfer to a bowl.
- Add the last tbsp of coconut oil and melt, then add the onion and saute until softened, around 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and spices, stir into the onion thoroughly, then add the tomato sauce, cook for 2 minutes, then add the chicken and coconut milk, stir everything together, reduce heat to medium low, and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with a steaming side of Basmati rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a side of naan bread.
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Amy says
My family and I love tikka masala, and when I saw how quick and how simple the ingredients were I had to try it. I kept everything the same except decreasing the cayenne pepper (I have 4 young kids who can’t handle the heat), and I didn’t have coconut milk (or I would have used) so I used a mix of skim milk and fat free half and half (between it wasn’t as thick as coconut milk I only used a cup and half of the liquid and it was more than enough). I’ll definitely be making this again, thank you for the great recipe!
Karly says
Thank you so much, Amy! And thank you for letting us all know what substitutions you made and how they worked out, I love hearing that!
Celine says
Is it possible to add potatoes and carrots to this curry?
Ashley says
Do u use sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk ?
Karly says
Hi Ashley! I use Goya’s Coconut Milk, which is unsweetened!
http://amzn.to/2d6Rbmg
Shawn says
Hi Karly,
Recipe looks awesome; I’m going to give it a try this weekend. My fiancé has a nut allergy and includes coconut. Is there anything I can use as a substitute? Thanks!
Karly says
Hi Shawn! You can use regular milk instead! I hope you enjoy it!
Gabriel says
Was looking for an easy Indian curry recipe, most are complicated. Made it tonight. So good. Thanks!
plasterers bristol says
thanks for this recipe. I love this dish.
Simon
Alyson M says
Looks delish! I love chicken tikka masala and we eat it often. Indian food is amazing and so flavorful.
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
My husband (who was then my boyfriend) introduced me to Indian food in college. I did not want to go, but he insisted it was good. And it was! Indian food is one of my favorites even today, 20+ years later. I love how easy this recipe is…I will definitely try it!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
I absolutely adore this recipe. Chicken Tikka Masala is a favorite dish and if you can make it EASY and have all the deep flavor, well I love you! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Love that it’s dairy free! Perfect!
Belinda Skellern says
Looks delicious Karly. I love the photos too. They look fantastic!
GiGi Eats says
YUM! This seriously looking delicious! Beyond words!
Shipra says
You’re kidding! You knew me as a kid!! Did I never feed you at my house?! HAHA! I honestly have never made chicken tikka masala, and this is awesome. I make a lot of Indian food but not this, can you imagine?! I will have to change that. 😛
Karly says
Ha ha ha Shipra! You were literally the ONLY Indian person I knew, also, the coolest, of course! 😉