Get ready to transform your kitchen into a vibrant Indian culinary paradise with this mouthwatering Chicken Indian Spiced Tomato Sauce! Imagine tender chicken pieces dancing in a rich, aromatic sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Mumbai. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a sensory journey that combines traditional Indian spices with simple, fresh ingredients to create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming chicken thighs of excess fat and cutting into bite-sized pieces. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and allow it to become hot.
- Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add garam masala, cumin, and turmeric to the pan. Stir spices with onion mixture to toast and release their aromatic oils for about 30 seconds.
- Place seasoned chicken pieces into the pan, stirring to coat evenly with spices. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, reducing heat to medium-low. Stir to combine and create a sauce.
- Cover the pan and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing chicken to cook through and sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or your preferred accompaniment.
Tips
- Spice Selection Matters: Use fresh, high-quality whole spices and toast them briefly to release maximum flavor. If possible, grind your own garam masala for an authentic taste.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming.
- Layering Flavors: Take your time when sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger. This builds a flavor foundation that's crucial to authentic Indian cooking.
- Spice Timing: Add ground spices after sautéing aromatics to prevent burning and create a more complex flavor profile.
- Low and Slow Simmering: Allow the sauce to simmer gently, which helps tenderize the chicken and meld the spices together.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Resting Time: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and chicken to become extra tender.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with freshly steamed basmati rice, warm naan bread, or a side of cooling raita to balance the spices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
