Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

चिकन टिक्का मसाला

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com.

serves 2
Ingredients
1/2 cup yogurt
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1-1/2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1/2 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce + 1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1) In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.  

2) Cook the marinated chicken over high heat for 5-6 minutes.  (Use a grill pan, if you have one.)

3) Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt.

4) Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro. (I hate cilantro with a passion!)