Chicken Tikka Masala

A traditional Northern Indian dish¹, this FODMAP-friendly recipe is chock full of powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spices are known to boost your immune system. The active component in turmeric, curcumin, not only gives this spice its notorious vibrant yellow color, but its anti-inflammatory role may help alleviate some of IBS symptoms.² It’s best absorbed when served with pepper; so don’t forget to top this tasty dish off with fresh ground pepper right before you are ready to eat. Enjoy this dish served over a cup of cooked brown rice – it's FODMAP approved, adds a healthy dose of fiber, and soaks up that delicious, nutrient-dense sauce! Serve this up with a side of creamy polenta with balsamic braised mushrooms.

Makes: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes (Plus 2+ hrs refrigeration)
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for chicken tikka masala marinade

• 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts)
• 1/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt or lactose-free yogurt
• 1/2 Tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

Ingredients for chicken tikka masala sauce

• 1 Tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/3 cup 2% Greek yogurt or lactose free yogurt (without additives)
• 1 15-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp canola oil or sunflower seed oil
• 3-4 cups cooked rice (such as brown rice or Basmati)
• Cilantro, optional garnish

Directions for chicken tikka masala

1. Cut chicken breast into cubes, about ½ - 1 inch pieces, and add to a glass bowl or container. In a separate small bowl, whisk yogurt, ginger, and spices until smooth. Dump mixture over chicken and coat. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
2. Take chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before you are ready to cook. In a deep cast iron pan, Dutch oven, or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add all spices and grated ginger and sauté on low for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the chicken (and juices from the marinade) and sauté for about 5 minutes, until liquid is evaporated (stir a few times for even cooking).
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and bring to simmer. Simmer on medium-low for 8-10 minutes, until sauce has thickened. Stir in yogurt and cook for 2 minutes more, stirring well.
5. Cook rice per instructions. Serve dish warm over fluffy rice with cilantro garnish if desired.

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References
1. Siciliano-Rosen L. Chicken tikka masala. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/chicken-tikka-masala. Published October 4, 2019. Accessed April 7, 2020.
2. Ng Q, Soh A, Loke W, Venkatanarayanan N, Lim D, Yeo W-S. A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Use of Curcumin for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2018;7(10):1-9. doi:10.3390/jcm7100298.