Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of India right to your kitchen? Our Family Freezer Chicken Tikka Masala is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have your family asking for seconds! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, spiced delight in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the month ahead, this recipe is a must-try that will impress both family and friends. Dive into the rich, aromatic world of Indian cuisine and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish at home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, finely chopping onion, mincing garlic and ginger.
- Heat large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken thighs to the skillet, seasoning with garam masala, cumin, and salt. Cook chicken until exterior is lightly browned and sealed, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour tomato sauce and coconut milk into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and chicken to cook completely.
- Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe cooking. Sauce should be rich and slightly reduced.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
- For freezer meal preparation, allow mixture to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe container. Can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onions, garlic, and ginger in advance. You can even cube the chicken thighs the night before and marinate them in the spices for deeper flavor.
- Use Fresh Spices: The key to vibrant flavors in this dish is using fresh garam masala and cumin. If possible, buy whole spices and grind them yourself for the best taste.
- Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce the amount of garam masala or add a touch of sugar to balance the spices.
- Coconut Milk Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute the coconut milk with low-fat yogurt or heavy cream, adjusting the quantity to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Check Doneness: Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully! Allow the cooked tikka masala to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months—perfect for quick dinners!
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of freshness that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 293kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 73mg
