Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite—Sous Vide Chicken Tikka Masala! This tantalizing dish combines the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine with the precision of sous vide cooking, ensuring your chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly cooked chicken enveloped in a creamy, spiced coconut sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of India. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Dive into the details below and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala spice blend
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of tikka masala spice blend, and a pinch of salt. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the sous vide water bath to 145°F (63°C) for tender, juicy chicken breasts.
- Place marinated chicken breasts into vacuum-seal or heavy-duty ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Submerge sealed bags into the preheated water bath and cook for
- 5 to 2 hours to ensure even, precise cooking.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and remaining tikka masala spice blend. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in coconut milk, stirring to combine with onions and spices. Simmer sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Once chicken is done, remove bags from water bath and carefully take chicken out. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Optional: Quickly sear chicken in a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side to develop a golden exterior.
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the prepared tikka masala sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the yogurt and spice blend for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if time permits. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Precision is Key: Set your sous vide water bath to 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. This temperature ensures that the chicken remains juicy while eliminating harmful bacteria.
- Seal it Right: When vacuum-sealing the chicken, make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps in achieving an even cook throughout the meat.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: For an added layer of texture and flavor, quickly sear the chicken in a hot skillet after sous vide cooking. This step gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust to Your Taste: When preparing the tikka masala sauce, feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Add more tikka masala spice blend for extra heat or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Serve with the Right Sides: Pair your Chicken Tikka Masala with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 590kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 56g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 150mg
