Quick Chicken Tikka Masala for Two

By Alqualonde

A popular Indian dish in the U.S. and the U.K., chicken tikka masala usually involves several steps including marinating and grilling the chicken before simmering in a curried tomato cream sauce. We’ve simplified it to a one-skillet dish for two and lightened it by increasing the vegetables, omitting the butter and using less cream. Serve with brown basmati rice and, for dessert, dates.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons garam masala (see Note)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces chicken tenders
• 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Details

Servings 2

Preparation

Step 1

Stir together garam masala, salt and turmeric in a small dish. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon of the spice mixture and dredge in the flour. Reserve the remaining spice mix and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the remaining flour.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, onion and ginger and cook, stirring often, until starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the reserved spice mix and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle with the reserved 1 1/2 teaspoons flour and stir until coated. Add tomatoes and their juice. Bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until thickened and the onion is tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

Stir in cream. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

Note:

Garam masala, a blend of spices used in Indian cooking, usually includes cardamom, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, fennel, cumin and coriander. It is available in the spice section of most supermarkets.