Tahira's Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala consists of deliciously marinated pieces of chicken oven roasted and cooked in a rich creamy sauce.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um7GsPmlrFU

½ to 1 kg Chicken Boneless (Cubed)

Marinade
4 tbsp yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp garlic paste
½ tsp cinnamon powder
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp black pepper

Masala
2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
1 cup of 18% table cream
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp yogurt
2 tsp garlic paste
2 tsp paprika powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp chilli powder
½ tsp garam masala powder
½ tsp cinnamon powder
½ cup water
¼ tsp turmeric powder

Preheat the oven to 400° F/200° C. Cut and marinate the raw chicken with the marinade ingredients listed, mix well, cover and place in the fridge for as long as possible.
(20 minutes)

Place the marinated chicken into an oven proof aluminium covered dish and place in the oven, turning after 20 minutes to prevent burning.
(25 minutes)

Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the garlic and mix till it sizzles. Add the finely chopped onions. Sautee till they are golden brown.
(5 minutes)

Lower the heat and from the masala ingredients and add the cumin, cinnamon, chilli powder, salt, turmeric and garam masala, mix well
(2 minutes)

Put the heat up high and add the crushed tomato’s, tomato paste, paprika and water, bring to the boil and then lower the heat.
(2 minutes)

Once the chicken in the oven is cooked thorough, Add them into the masala and mix well.
(2 minutes)

Add 1 tbsp of yogurt, mix
(1 minute)

Then add the cream and lemon juice. Mix well then lower the heat.
(2 minutes)

Serve with rice topped with chicken tikka masala and then garnish. Alternatively eat with naan bread.