Wood Fired Chicken Tikka Masala

Indulge in the rich flavours of Wood-Fired Chicken Tikka Masala, a tantalising dish combining tender marinated chicken cooked over open flames with a creamy, aromatic tomato and coconut sauce. This gluten-free recipe offers a culinary adventure perfect for enthusiasts seeking an intermediate-level cooking experience.

Ingredients

- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Recipe

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

2. Preheat your wood-fired oven to around 400°F (200°C).

3. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and place them on a lightly oiled grill rack in the wood-fired oven. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior.

4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

5. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Add coconut milk to the skillet and stir well. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Duration to Cook - Approximately 30-40 minutes (plus marinating time).

Chef Skill Level - Intermediate

Vegan - No

Vegetarian - No 

Gluten-Free - Yes

Serving Suggestion

Serve the Wood-Fired Chicken Tikka Masala hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. It pairs well with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh green salad. Enjoy as a flavourful and satisfying meal!