Description
Chicken Tikka Masala with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a vibrant and comforting dish featuring tender, spiced chicken pieces simmered in a luscious, velvety tomato sauce enriched with plant-based cream and a harmonious blend of natural spices. It offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for pairing with rice or naan for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp cumin (natural spice)
- 1 tsp coriander (natural spice)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (natural spice)
- 1 tsp garam masala (natural spice)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (natural spice)
- 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tbsp plant-based cream
Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 50g smoked turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp garlic and ginger paste (natural)
- 400g tomato puree (natural)
- 1 tsp cumin (natural spice)
- 1 tsp coriander (natural spice)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (natural spice)
- 1 tsp garam masala (natural spice)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (natural spice)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- 3 tbsp plant-based cream
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Additional plant-based cream drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, garlic and ginger paste, apple cider vinegar, and plant-based cream. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce: In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onions with smoked turkey bacon until golden and fragrant. Add garlic and ginger paste and cook briefly. Stir in tomato puree along with cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer gently to build rich flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Incorporate the natural gelling agent into the sauce, stirring well to achieve a silky and thick consistency. Then add the remaining plant-based cream and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, balancing creaminess and savory depth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Simmer everything together for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the dish. Optionally, drizzle with plant-based cream. Serve alongside basmati rice, garlic naan, or your chosen sides.
Notes
- Longer marination improves chicken tenderness and intensity of flavor.
- Simmer sauce gently to maintain smooth texture and prevent separation.
- Add plant-based cream gradually to get perfect sauce consistency.
- Using freshly ground natural spices enhances aroma and taste.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking on stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, creamy tomato sauce, plant-based cream, Indian cuisine, gluten free, spiced chicken, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, smoky flavor, cilantro garnish
