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    Home » Paleo Recipes

    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Last Modified: Jan 18, 2023 by Paleo Leaper · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Hold the heavy cream and the yogurt; this chicken tikka masala recipe utilizes the biggest scoop of coconut cream and turns a classic Indian dish into a tantalizing Paleo adaptation.

    After all, it is the abundant amount of spice that makes it the real thing. Allow sufficient time, 12 to 24 hours, to marinate the chicken breasts for the most noteworthy flavors.

    Chicken Tikka Masala

    For some people, tikka masala is the ultimate comfort food; for others, it is a simple burger or taco-stuffed sweet potatoes.

    If your food cravings are of the Indian-inspired kind, you will likely already have garam masala in your collection of spices. If you don't have it yet, go out of your way to find it and use it for all it is worth.

    It is a blend of finely ground spices and ranges from 6-17 ingredients, so there will be subtle differences between brands. Literally translated, garam masala means "hot spices" that doesn't necessarily mean it will be fiery, but it will have notes of coriander, cumin, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

    You may be missing the naan if you remember the good old days of eating out at Indian restaurants, but let us suggest that a cauliflower pizza crust is a great replacement for that bread-like experience - just bake it in the right shape, or cut it in wedges for easy dipping.

    Of course, you are going to want a light and refreshing dessert after a fully satisfying dinner; we know just the one for that, mango and strawberry sorbet.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Serves: 4 Prep: 10 min + 8 h Cook: 45 min

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb. chicken breast fillets, boneless & skinless, cubed
    • 4 tsp. garam masala
    • 1 tsp. ground coriander
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • ½ tsp. turmeric
    • ½ tsp. chili powder
    • Juice of 1 lime or lemon
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
    • 1 tsp. fresh ginger, crushed
    • 2 x 14oz. can whole tomatoes
    • 14 oz. can coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
    • Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
    • Fresh cilantro to serve

    Preparation

    1. Combine the chicken breasts, 2 teaspoons garam masala, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl and mix to combine.
    2. Allow marinating for at least 1 hour - ideally up to 24 hours, covered in the refrigerator.
    3. When the chicken has finished marinating, fry the onion in a saucepan until soft and translucent, then add the ginger, garlic, and remaining 2 teaspoons of garam masala and cook until fragrant.
    4. Add the marinated chicken and allow to cook for 5 minutes.
    5. Pour in the tomatoes and break them up with a wooden spoon.
    6. Pour in the coconut cream and bring to a boil.
    7. Turn down the heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is tender and cooked through.
    8. Serve with fresh cilantro.
    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    If now is the time for some Indian comfort food, our Paleo chicken tikka masala will surely hit the spot, skipping the yogurt, adding coconut cream instead.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 hrs 10 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 8 hrs 55 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 377 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb. chicken breast fillets boneless & skinless, cubed
    • 4 tsp. garam masala
    • 1 tsp. ground coriander
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • ½ tsp. turmeric
    • ½ tsp. chili powder
    • Juice of 1 lime or lemon
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves crushed
    • 1 tsp. fresh ginger crushed
    • 2 x 14oz. can whole tomatoes
    • 14 oz. can coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
    • Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
    • Fresh cilantro to serve

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the chicken breasts, 2 teaspoons garam masala, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl and mix to combine.
      1 lb. chicken breast fillets, 4 tsp. garam masala, 1 tsp. ground coriander, 1 tsp. ground cumin, ½ tsp. turmeric, ½ tsp. chili powder, Juice of 1 lime or lemon, Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
    • Allow marinating for at least 1 hour – ideally up to 24 hours, covered in the refrigerator.
    • When the chicken has finished marinating, fry the onion in a saucepan until soft and translucent, then add the ginger, garlic, and remaining 2 teaspoons of garam masala and cook until fragrant.
      1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp. fresh ginger, 4 tsp. garam masala
    • Add the marinated chicken and allow to cook for 5 minutes.
    • Pour in the tomatoes and break them up with a wooden spoon.
      2 x 14oz. can whole tomatoes
    • Pour in the coconut cream and bring to a boil.
      14 oz. can coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
    • Turn down the heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is tender and cooked through.
    • Serve with fresh cilantro.
      Fresh cilantro to serve

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 164mgPotassium: 885mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 745IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword chicken, masala, tikka
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Filed Under: Paleo Chicken and Poultry Recipes, Paleo Recipes Tagged With: cooking: oven, diet: dairy-free, diet: egg-free, diet: no sweeteners, diet: nut-free, diet: shellfish-free, good for leftovers, Paleo Budget-Friendly Recipes, Paleo Dinner Recipes

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