Description
A rich, spicy, and deeply comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes using one skillet. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with juicy chicken thighs and a velvety sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large yellow onion, diced finely
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add remaining garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Return chicken to the pan with any juices.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through for 1-2 minutes without boiling. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure browning. Bloom spices in oil for deeper flavor. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent separation. Sauce can be thinned with broth or water if too thick, or simmered longer if too thin. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Served over basmati
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken tikka masala, creamy chicken curry, weeknight dinner, indian food, one pot meal, 30 minute dinner, comfort food