Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is widely considered Britain’s national dish. This culinary delight has Indian origins and was modified to satisfy the desire of British people to have their meat served in gravy. Tikka Masala is made of boneless chicken (can substitute chickpeas for vegetarians) marinated in spices and yogurt, roasted in an oven, and served in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp minced jalapeno pepper
• 1 tsp of salt

Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 small white onions (or 1 large onion) finely diced
• 1 tbsp garlic finely grated
• 1 tbsp ginger finely grated
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 can (156 ml) tomato paste
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups of 35% heavy cream or use heavy Greek yogurt 9% or 11%
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ cup water

Serves: 8

Directions

Combine all chicken marinade ingredients, except oil, into a bowl and mix. Let stand for 10 to 20 min

In a heavy deep cast iron pan or other deep frying pan heat oil.

Once the oil is hot pour chicken and marinade into the oil and cook for roughly 3 min aside. Moving it around to keep it from sticking. After 6 to 8 minutes, remove from pan and set aside. It won’t be fully cooked at this point. It will finish cooking in the sauce during the next steps.

After removing the chicken from the pan, add butter, onions, and garlic and cook till soft.

Add spices, jalapeno and tomato paste into the pan and mix. cook for about 2 min while stirring.

Add cream or yogurt, chicken mixture, and brown sugar to the pan and cook for about 10 to 15 min. Add water as and if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. The sauce should be nice and creamy.

Serve with basmati rice or naan.

Suggested Wines:

Churon Winery ~ 2020 Sauvignon Blanc – This popular Sauvignon Blanc is sure to delight the senses with its beautiful aromas.

Masia de la Vinya ~2020 Sauvignon Blanc – This popular Sauvignon Blanc is sure to delight the senses with its beautiful aromas.

Altisima Winery ~2020 Sauvignon Blanc – Aromas of green apple accentuates both the nose and the palate, accompanied by bright acidity and flavors of honeydew and passionfruit.

South Coast Winery & Resort ~ 2019 Sauvignon Blanc – Kiwi & lime, gooseberries, pears, passion fruit and wild flowers delicately laced with a crisp acidity and a zesty, clean finish.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California