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Chicken Tikka Masala for One

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken curry, dinner for one, indian chicken for one, tikka masala
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Yogurt-marinated chicken thigh simmered in a spiced, creamy tomato sauce. Serve with rice or naan.

Ingredients

  • 1 (4–6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken thigh cubed 1 inch

Marinade

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ tablespoon garam masala
  • ½ tablespoon ground turmeric
  • ½ tablespoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger)

Sauce

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger)
  • ¾ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup plain unseasoned tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

Directions

  • In a bowl, stir together the yogurt and all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
  • Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes, then turn and sear the other side briefly. It doesn't need to be cooked through yet. Move it to a plate.
  • Melt the butter in the same pan. Cook the onion with ¼ teaspoon of salt until soft and golden. Add the garlic, cumin, garam masala, paprika, chili powder, ginger, and sugar and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer on medium-low for about 3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the cream and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the chicken and any juices to the sauce. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.
  • Serve with basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 740g | Calories: 825kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1.2g | Cholesterol: 264mg | Sodium: 2689mg | Potassium: 1848mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 2877IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 338mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for the whole recipe (1 serving); skinless chicken thigh counted as raw boneless chicken thigh, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt counted as nonfat Greek yogurt, ½ tablespoon garam masala counted as curry powder (closest USDA match to garam masala), ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger (the first choice counted), ½ teaspoon garam masala counted as curry powder (closest USDA match to garam masala), ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger (the first choice counted), plain unseasoned tomato sauce counted as canned tomato sauce. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.