Ingredients
- Bite-sized pieces of skinless, boneless chicken breasts, totaling 2 pounds
- A cup of rich heavy cream
- A tablespoon of zesty fresh lemon juice
- Two teaspoons of finely minced fresh ginger root
- Two teaspoons of aromatic ground cumin
- Two teaspoons of bold ground black pepper
- A teaspoon of warm ground cinnamon
- A teaspoon of savory salt
- A teaspoon of spicy cayenne pepper, adjust to your preference
- Divided into two portions, two tablespoons of flavorful olive oil
- One chopped large onion
- One seeded and minced jalapeno pepper
- Five cloves of minced garlic
- A can of tomato sauce, 8 ounces
- A can of tomato paste, 6 ounces
Step 1
In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with a cup of creamy heavy cream, tangy lemon juice, zesty ginger, aromatic cumin, flavorful pepper, warm cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Let this delightful medley marinate in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to intermingle and evolve.
Step 2
Once the chicken has absorbed the marinade to your liking, warm a tablespoon of oil in a spacious pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion, spicy jalapeno, and pungent garlic until they become tender and fragrant, which should take around 5 minutes. Introduce the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the mix, bringing it to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer to intensify the flavors.
Step 3
In another skillet, heat up the remaining oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it with occasional stirring until it turns a lovely golden brown hue and is cooked through, which typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Adjust the creaminess of the sauce by incorporating more heavy cream if desired, creating a luscious light red sauce. Stir the concoction gently and let it simmer to allow the flavors to meld harmoniously for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4
Once the dish is ready, serve it up and relish in the delightful culmination of flavors and textures that you've artfully crafted.
Extra Tips & Suggestions
- 1. Organize your kitchen like a pro by designating a specific area for all your spices and marinade ingredients. This will make it easier to find everything you need when preparing your chicken tikka.
- 2. Invest in airtight containers to store your marinated chicken in the fridge. This will help to lock in the flavors and keep the chicken fresh for longer periods of time.
