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Fun fact #1: Chicken tikka masala is actually a British invention, not an Indian one. Fun fact #2: With ingredients like fresh mint leaves, chiles, and creamy yogurt this masala would be delicious no matter where it was created.

1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 fresh green chili, seeded and chopped
6 fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons garam masala
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut in bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1 cup basmati rice
1/2 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
Combine half of the onion, the garlic, ginger, chile, mint, lemon juice, and tomato paste in a food processor. Process until it forms a smooth paste. Add the yogurt, paprika, garam masala, nutmeg, turmeric, and salt to the puree and process to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a zip-top plastic bag or other non-reactive container large enough to hold the chicken. Add the chicken and mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate the chicken for 4-6 hours or overnight.
Heat the ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft.
Add the chicken with the yogurt mixture and water to the skillet. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet. Let the chicken cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the chicken is cooking prepare the basmati rice as directed on the package. Sprinkle the rice with the fennel seeds halfway through the cooking time. When the rice is cooked, stir the fennel seeds into the rice.
Serve the chicken tikka masala with the basmati rice.
Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)
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reviews & comments
May 17, 2014
Great recipe, I've made it twice now, triple recipe each time. You may have to adjust the flavor slightly to match your taste (if you like food spicier, less spicy, etc) You're likely to have extra sauce leftover afterwards, this works well for breakfast, on eggs.