This chicken tikka masala soup represents a warmer, take on the classic Indian dish Chicken Tikka Masala. It boasts a richness and complexity from a delicious blend of spices. Specifically, signatures like garam masala, ginger, turmeric and cumin shine through, complemented brighter notes of cinnamon.
Commonly, the soup features chicken as the base protein. However, there are also vegetable and vegan variations available for broader appeal. Similarly, it makes an excellent comfort food option for cooler weather.
The blend of spices infuse both the chicken and broth with bold flavor. Then, a creamy texture balances the heat and warming spices. Lastly, serving the soup alongside crispy garlic naan or rice allows for soaking up every last drop.
Chicken Tikka Masala Soup Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil or other neutral oil
1 cup diced white onion
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper (1/4-inch)
3 large cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
1 cup chopped butternut squash or sweet potato (1/4-inch)
¾ cup coconut cream
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
6 cups baby spinach
Thinly sliced scallions for garnish
How To Make Chicken Tikka Masala Soup
Toss the chicken pieces with the dry spices and refrigerate to infuse flavor. Next, heat oil in a large pot and brown the chicken, then remove to a plate. Afterwards, sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened. Then, add garlic, ginger and salt and cook until aromatic.
Return the chicken and any juices to the pot. Pour in remaining ingredients – broth, tomatoes, squash, coconut cream, brown sugar, lime juice. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to simmer for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to amalgamate.
Additionally, this soup can be enjoyed vegan or vegetarian as well. Serving over rice or naan provides an ideal vehicle to soak up the rich sauce.
Lastly, stir spinach into the pot and cook briefly just until wilted. Then ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions.
Enjoy Best and Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Soup!
How To Store and Reheat Leftover
To properly preserve any unused portions, start by placing them in an airtight container. This will firstly prevent spills or messes in the refrigerator. Furthermore, the refrigerator allows safely keeping soup for 3-4 days.
When ready to enjoy once more, gently reheating is recommend. Reheating over low, direct heat on the stovetop gradually resumes flavors. Alternatively, microwaving can effectively warm in short 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking.
Top Tips
After simmering the soup, an immersion blender can be used to easily blend the ingredients until smooth. This optional step conveniently results in an ultra-creamy texture without much effort. Similarly, a regular blender may be used by transferring soup in batches if an immersion blender is unavailable.
Furthermore, garnishes and accompaniments are great for enhancing the flavor of best chicken tikka masala soup. Freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a welcome brightness that stands out against the rich spices. In addition, serving with lime wedges allows people to customize their sourness according to preference, complementing the blend beautifully.