Chicken Tikka Masala, Done Healthy Recipe

Rich, creamy, and packed with warming spices, this Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala is a lighter take on the beloved Indian classic. Marinated chicken is seared to perfection and simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, infused with garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Instead of heavy cream, this version uses whipping cream, keeping it lower in calories while maintaining its signature creamy texture.

Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal, this dish pairs beautifully with brown rice or warm naan.

One of the most popular Indian dishes in the U.S. and the U.K., chicken tikka masala usually involves several steps including marinating and grilling the chicken before simmering in a curried tomato cream sauce.

We've simplified this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe to a one-skillet dish and lightened it by increasing the vegetables, omitting the butter and using less cream. It's a low-calorie, low-cholesterol dinner appropriate for people managing diabetes risk or who follow a heart-healthy diet.

Serve with brown basmati rice and, for dessert, dates.

[ Also: Quick & Easy Chicken Tikka Masala ]

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

    Prep Time: 40 minutes

    Cook time: 40 minutes

    Yield: Serves 4

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Ingredients

    4 teaspoons garam masala (see note)

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    1/4 teaspoon turmeric

    1/2 cup all-purpose flour

    1 pound chicken tenders

    4 teaspoons canola oil, divided

    6 cloves garlic, minced

    1 large sweet onion, diced

    4 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

    1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, undrained

    1/3 cup whipping cream

    1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe Directions

    Stir together garam masala, salt and turmeric in a small dish. Place flour in a shallow dish. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the spice mixture and dredge in the flour. (Reserve the remaining spice mix and 1 tablespoon of the remaining flour.)

    Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

    Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in the pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic, onion and ginger and cook, stirring often, until starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the reserved spice mix and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle with the reserved 1 tablespoon flour and stir until coated. Add tomatoes and their juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring and breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring often, until thickened and the onion is tender, 3 to 5 minutes.

    Stir in cream. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.

Note: Garam masala, a blend of spices used in Indian cooking, usually includes cardamom, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, fennel, cumin and coriander. It is available in the spice section of most supermarkets.

Recipe Nutrition:

Per serving: 320 calories; 14 g fat (5 g sat, 6 g mono); 85 mg cholesterol; 22 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 27 g protein; 3 g fiber; 641 mg sodium; 676 mg potassium

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (38 percent daily value), Iron & Potassium (19 percent dv).

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat, 2 fat

[ Also: Quick & Easy Chicken Tikka Masala ]

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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe, Chicken Recipe, Indian

 

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Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala | Light & Flavorful Indian Recipe

This Healthy Chicken Tikka Masala is a lighter take on the classic Indian dish, featuring tender spiced chicken in a rich, creamy, and flavorful tomato-based sauce.

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