Craving a flavorful and tender chicken dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! In this article, you will learn how to make a delicious Chicken Tikka Masala recipe in a pressure cooker. With the help of this handy kitchen appliance, you can create a mouthwatering meal in no time. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this quick and easy recipe for chicken tikka masala.
Ingredients
To make a delicious chicken tikka masala in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken breasts
First and foremost, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and serving.
Yogurt
Yogurt is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture to the dish. You can use plain, full-fat yogurt for the best results.
Garam masala
Garam masala is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. It adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the chicken tikka masala. You can find garam masala in most grocery stores or make your own at home.
Paprika
Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful red color to the chicken tikka masala. It is a spice that can be easily found in most spice aisles.
Ground cumin
Ground cumin brings a warm, earthy taste to the dish. It enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the chicken tikka masala.
Ground coriander
Ground coriander is another spice commonly used in Indian cooking. It pairs well with cumin and adds a citrusy, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste is crucial for achieving the rich, thick gravy that characterizes chicken tikka masala. It adds a tangy sweetness to the dish.
Onion
Onions provide a savory, sweet flavor to the chicken tikka masala. They add depth to the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic
Minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the chicken tikka masala. It enhances the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
Ginger
Fresh ginger brings a warm, slightly spicy flavor to the dish. It adds a unique zing that complements the other spices.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream is used to create a creamy and indulgent sauce for the chicken tikka masala. It adds richness and a smooth texture to the dish.
Salt
Salt is a must in any dish as it helps to enhance and balance the flavors. Be sure to season the chicken tikka masala with salt to taste.
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro leaves are used for garnishing the dish. They add a refreshing, herbaceous flavor and bring a pop of green to the presentation.
Oil
Oil is needed for sautéing the chicken, onions, and spices. You can use any neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Marinating the Chicken
To infuse the chicken with delicious flavors, you’ll need to marinate it. Here’s how:
Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the marinade.
In a bowl, mix yogurt, garam masala, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, tomato paste, minced garlic, minced ginger, and salt
In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, garam masala, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, tomato paste, minced garlic, minced ginger, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture will serve as the marinade for the chicken.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the chicken and the marinade together, ensuring that every piece is well coated.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for better results
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and makes it more flavorful. For even more intense flavors, refrigerate the marinated chicken overnight.
Preparing the Pressure Cooker
Before cooking the chicken tikka masala, you’ll need to prepare your pressure cooker. Here’s what you need to do:
Turn on the pressure cooker and select the sauté function
Turn on your pressure cooker and select the sauté function. This will allow you to brown and cook the ingredients before pressure cooking.
Heat some oil in the pressure cooker
Add some oil to the pressure cooker and allow it to heat up. This provides the base for cooking the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Add chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent
Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onions to the pressure cooker. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and slightly caramelized. This helps to develop their sweetness and adds flavor to the dish.
Add minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute
Next, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pressure cooker. Cook them for about a minute until they become fragrant. This releases their aromatic oils and adds a punch of flavor to the chicken tikka masala.
Cooking the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken in the pressure cooker:
Add the marinated chicken to the pressure cooker
Carefully add the marinated chicken to the pressure cooker. Make sure to include any excess marinade as it contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.
Sauté for a few minutes until the chicken starts to brown
Sauté the chicken for a few minutes until it starts to brown. This step helps to seal in the flavors and adds a lovely caramelized exterior to the chicken.
Add a small amount of water to deglaze the pot if necessary
If you notice any bits stuck to the bottom of the pressure cooker, deglaze the pot by adding a small amount of water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape off the flavorful bits, as they contribute to the overall taste of the chicken tikka masala.
Close the pressure cooker lid and set it to high pressure cooking
Once the chicken is browned, close the pressure cooker lid securely. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure cooking mode. This ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and becomes tender.
Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then release the pressure manually
Allow the chicken to cook under pressure for about 8-10 minutes. This cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. After the cooking time has elapsed, manually release the pressure according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.
Finishing the Dish
The last steps involve adding the final touches to your chicken tikka masala:
Open the pressure cooker lid
Carefully open the pressure cooker lid once the pressure has been released. Be cautious of any remaining steam and use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands.
Turn on the sauté function again
To thicken and finish the sauce, turn on the sauté function of the pressure cooker once again. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Add heavy cream to the chicken and mix well
Pour in the heavy cream and mix it thoroughly with the chicken. The cream adds richness and a luscious texture to the dish, balancing out the spices.
Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens
Simmer the chicken tikka masala for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This allows the flavors to develop further and creates a velvety, flavorful sauce.
Garnish with chopped cilantro
Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant green color to the chicken tikka masala.
Serve the chicken tikka masala hot with rice or naan bread
Your chicken tikka masala is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with fragrant steamed rice or warm naan bread. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic spices is sure to impress.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to enhance your chicken tikka masala:
For a spicier flavor, add chili powder or chopped green chilies
If you prefer a spicier version of chicken tikka masala, feel free to add some chili powder or chopped green chilies to the marinade. This will give the dish an extra kick of heat and a more intense flavor.
You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors
To balance the flavors of your chicken tikka masala, you can add a pinch of sugar. This helps to enhance the overall taste and acidity of the dish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference
Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your personal preference. If you prefer a bolder, spicier flavor, add a bit more garam masala or paprika. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of spices accordingly.
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can use a regular pot and simmer the chicken for a longer time
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, don’t worry! You can still make delicious chicken tikka masala. Simply use a regular pot or Dutch oven and simmer the chicken for a longer time until it becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
To make it healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt
If you’re looking for a healthier version of chicken tikka masala, consider using Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein, making it a nutritious alternative without compromising on taste.