1. Start by marinating the chicken. Cut boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the chicken.
3. Mix well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
5. After marination, preheat the grill or broiler to high heat.
6. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and place them on the grill or under the broiler.
7. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is cooked through and slightly charred.
8. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
9. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
10. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
11. Stir in tomato puree, followed by ground cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, and garam masala.
12. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes until the oil separates from the mixture.
13. Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
14. Add a little water if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
15. Season the sauce with salt and sugar to taste.
16. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skewers and add it to the sauce.
17. Simmer the chicken tikka in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
18. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan bread or steamed rice.
19. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tikka Masala with British flair!

Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken Tikka Masala:

1. Chicken: Substitute with tofu, paneer (Indian cheese), or vegetables like cauliflower or mushrooms. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Yogurt: Replace with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version. Adjust the amount based on personal preference.

3. Garam Masala: Make your own by combining equal parts ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Adjust quantities to taste.

4. Ginger-Garlic Paste: Use minced ginger and garlic in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. Adjust to taste.

5. Tomato Puree: Replace with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Adjust quantity based on desired consistency.

6. Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative. Adjust quantity based on personal preference.

7. Red Chili Powder: Use paprika or cayenne pepper as a substitute. Adjust quantity based on desired spiciness.

8. Turmeric Powder: If unavailable, omit or substitute with a pinch of saffron threads for color. Adjust quantity based on personal preference.

9. Coriander Leaves: Replace with parsley or cilantro if preferred. Adjust quantity based on personal taste.

10. Lemon Juice: Substitute with lime juice or vinegar in the same quantity.

Remember to adjust seasonings and cooking times to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

- Naan bread
- Basmati rice
- Raita (yogurt sauce)
- Papadums (thin, crispy Indian crackers)
- Mango chutney
- Cucumber salad
- Mint chutney
- Vegetable samosas
- Onion bhajis
- Tandoori chicken
- Pilau rice
- Garlic naan
- Aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry)
- Saag paneer (spinach and cheese curry)
- Mango lassi (yogurt-based drink)

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Serve the dish in individual serving bowls or on a bed of aromatic basmati rice for an elegant presentation.
- Drizzle a swirl of yogurt or cream on top of the dish for a visually appealing touch.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the chicken for a longer period, overnight if possible, to enhance its tenderness and flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a subtle sweetness and creaminess.
- Toast whole spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom before grinding them to intensify their flavors.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use ghee instead of oil for a richer and more indulgent taste.
- Substitute regular chicken with free-range or organic chicken for a superior flavor and quality.
- Include saffron threads or truffle oil as a finishing touch to add a touch of luxury to the dish.

- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken thighs to reduce saturated fat content.
- Substitute full-fat yogurt with low-fat or Greek yogurt to decrease calorie and fat intake.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the onions.
- Opt for whole grain rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a healthier carbohydrate choice.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli, to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Use less salt and experiment with herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander for flavor enhancement.
- If avoiding gluten, ensure that all the ingredients used, such as spices and sauces, are gluten-free.
- For those following a low-carb or keto diet, replace the rice with additional vegetables or serve the dish over a bed of lettuce.
- Consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and ginger instead of using store-bought marinades to reduce sodium and preservatives.

- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat yogurt to reduce calorie and fat content.
- Opt for a tomato-based sauce instead of a cream-based sauce to lower the overall fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Use whole-grain basmati rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for added fiber and lower glycemic index.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking by using non-stick pans or cooking spray.
- Use spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger to enhance the flavor without adding extra salt.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal.

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of whole chicken pieces to save time on deboning and skinning.
2. Opt for store-bought tikka masala sauce instead of making it from scratch to reduce preparation time.
3. Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices overnight to enhance flavors without requiring extra cooking time.
4. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter and more affordable alternative.
5. Utilize a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process and tenderize the chicken quickly.
6. Replace expensive spices with a pre-made tikka masala spice blend to save on costs without compromising taste.
7. Serve the dish with basmati rice instead of naan bread to cut down on preparation time and cost.
8. Use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and reduce expenses.
9. Prepare a larger batch of chicken tikka masala and freeze individual portions for future quick and economical meals.
10. Consider using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut, adding it to the tikka masala sauce for a flavorful twist.

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