Chicken Tikka Masala Whole30

 Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. garam masala

1 tsp ground coriander

salt and pepper

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp hot smoked paprika

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 1/2 Tbsp. ghee or clarified butter

1 large onion, diced

1 Tbsp. grated ginger

3 cloves garlic, grated

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 cup tomato puree

1/2 cup coconut cream

Cauliflower rice, for serving, optional

Instructions:

Combine the lemon juice, garam masala, coriander, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a large bowl. Use a fork or your hands to mix into a paste-like consistency. Add the diced chicken to the bowl and massage the spice mixture all over the chicken using your hands. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat Instant Pot using the Sauté setting on high. Meanwhile, mix together the cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl. Add the ghee to the pot, along with the onions and spice mixture. Sauté until the onions have softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute, then add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, 1 minute. Pour the tomato puree and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Turn off the pot. Add the marinated chicken to the sauce and gently stir to combine.

Lock the lid of the Instant Pot and set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. After the pressure cycle is complete, do a quick release of the pressure. Be careful of any remaining steam and unlock and remove the lid. Stir in the coconut cream, season to taste, and serve over cauliflower rice.

(Note: If you cannot find coconut cream you can buy full-fat coconut milk, open without shaking and skim the cream off the top.)

We got this recipe from the food network. We really like Tikka Masala from Indian Oven or Tandori Oven in Logan. This can not compare to that. But it is the best Tikka Masala recipe that we have found so far.