Indulge in the rich flavors of England's beloved Chicken Tikka Masala, a quintessential dish that beautifully blends Indian spices with British culinary tradition. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are grilled to perfection and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This hearty and comforting dish is served alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, creating a culinary experience that satisfies both the soul and the palate. Whether you're seeking a comforting meal at home or a flavorful adventure in dining, England Chicken Tikka Masala promises to delight with every bite.

Below is a recipe for England's beloved Chicken Tikka Masala:

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
• Salt to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the chicken marinade: yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

2- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

3- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.

5- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the spices and onion mixture. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.

6- Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and stir gently to coat them in the creamy tomato sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

8- Serve the England Chicken Tikka Masala hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.

This classic recipe captures the essence of England's national dish, offering a perfect balance of flavors and spices that will surely delight your taste buds!

Nutritional Values:

Here's a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the England Chicken Tikka Masala recipe:

Chicken Breast (500g):

• Calories: 760 kcal
• Protein: 150g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Also contains various vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Provides probiotics, which promote gut health and digestion. Rich in calcium and protein for strong bones and muscles.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g

benefits:Contains unsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Also a source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:High in antioxidants like quercetin, which may have anti-inflammatory properties. Also contains fiber and vitamin C for immune support.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic can help combat infections and boost the immune system. It also contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Ginger (1 tablespoon grated):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce muscle pain and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. It's also commonly used to alleviate nausea and aid digestion.

Crushed Tomatoes (1 can - 400g):

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health. Also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium.

Heavy Cream (1 cup):

• Calories: 820 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 88g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Provides a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Also adds richness and creaminess to dishes, enhancing flavor and texture.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and preparation methods. Additionally, the values provided are for the individual ingredients and do not account for the entire dish.