Chicken Tikka Masala Dance

I borrowed this idea from Rachel Ray, Make Your Own Takeout.

I will grant you that my kids have fairly sophisticated palettes, this is Northern California after all. They will find something to eat on any menu, any cuisine. Recently we were at a farmer's market where there was an Indian stand. They were making naan bread from scratch and it was fascinating. We ordered a chicken tikka masala wrap to share, with the idea that it might be too spicy or adventurous for the little ones.

We were wrong. They loved it! Now every time we go to that farmer's market they ask for the chicken tikka masala wrap, which is just what it sounds like, the chicken and rice wrapped in naan. So one night I tried to make it at home. I Googled around for a recipe, but most called for ingredients that I didn't have on hand, so I just made one up. It's become one of their favorites, there is even a dance that goes with it when they are requesting that for dinner.

This is less of a recipe and more of an approach so forgive the vague measurements.

Ingredients:
-1 package boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes (or chicken breast, tenders, leftover chicken from a supermarket rotisserie chicken...)
-Garlic and onions if you have them
-Indian(-ish) spices from your spice drawer (my assortment included Garam Masala, Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cardamon and Curry powder)
-Tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes)
-Milk

Directions:

1) Brown chicken, onions and garlic in olive oil in large saute pan (obviously if you are using rotisserie chicken, just add it after the onions and garlic are soft)
2) Add spices. 1 teaspoon each Garam Masala, Cumin, Chili Powder and Salt. 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon, Allspice, Cardamon and Curry Powder. The spices will interact with the oil and become fragrant and slightly toasted.
3) Add 15 ounces of tomatoes, allow this to cook down, about 5-10 minutes
4) Add 1/4 cup milk
5) Now you adjust for taste. More salt if needed, maybe you like pepper, or if you prefer it really spicy more chili powder, cayenne, red pepper flakes etc.


 I served it with brown rice (because that's what I had in the pantry), Raita (Indian yogurt) from Trader Joe's, and steamed broccoli. Huge hit.

I link to these awesome parties:

Sunday: I Heart Naptime, Stephany Hyder, Nifty Thrifty Things, Home Savvy AtoZ Monday:Between Naps on the Porch, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Thrifty Decor Chick, Alderberry Hill, Debbie Doo's, Home Stories A to Z Tuesday:Coastal Charm, Tip Junkie, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Carolyn's Homework, Made in a Day, Our Delightful Home, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Get Your Craft On Wednesday: Savvy Southern Style, Crystal and Co, Power of Paint, Newlyweds Recipe Linky, It's Overflowing Thursday: The Shabby Creek Cottage, Made in a Day, House of Hepworths, the 36th Avenue, Five Things Thursdays Friday: Serenity Now, Tatertots and Jello, The Shabby Nest, Thirty Handmade Days, Addicted 2 Decorating, Funky Junk Interiors

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