Description
Dive into the rich and comforting flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala with Creamy Tomato Sauce, featuring tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and smothered in a luscious, spiced tomato sauce enriched with plant-based cream and aromatic spices. This vibrant, plant-based creamy dish is perfect for any occasion and customizable to your preferred spice level, delivering a deliciously balanced and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup plant-based yogurt (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- 1 inch ginger, grated (natural)
- 1 tsp garam masala (natural)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder (natural)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (natural)
- 1 tsp ground coriander (natural)
- 1 tsp paprika (natural)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp oil of choice
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree (natural)
- 1 tsp garam masala (natural)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (natural)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (natural)
- 1 tsp ground coriander (natural)
- 1 tsp paprika (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3/4 cup plant-based cream
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Garnish and Optional
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Wedge of lemon
- Toasted cumin seeds (natural)
- Extra plant-based cream for drizzle
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the plant-based yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade until each piece is fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Onions: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until golden and fragrant. Remove the bacon and set aside. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, forming the base of the sauce.
- Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs until they are nicely charred and cooked through, sealing in the juices and adding a smoky flavor.
- Prepare the Creamy Tomato Sauce: To the pan with onions, add tomato puree, additional garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir and simmer gently to blend the spices. Then stir in the plant-based cream and natural gelling agent until the sauce reaches a rich, smooth, and silky consistency.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken and smoked turkey bacon to the sauce. Stir to coat thoroughly and let simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to marry and the chicken to absorb the creamy tomato goodness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve hot with basmati rice or plant-based naan bread. Optionally, add a wedge of lemon, toasted cumin seeds, or a drizzle of extra plant-based cream for added brightness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even richer flavors.
- Use freshly ground spices for the best aroma and taste.
- Adjust the amount of plant-based cream to control the sauce thickness.
- Cook chicken on high heat to lock in juices and achieve a pleasant char.
- Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to prevent breaking and maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Creamy Tomato Sauce, Plant-Based Cream, Indian Cuisine, Gluten Free, Spiced Chicken, Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
