Quick and Easy Dairy-Free Chicken Tikka Masala

Harvest time is nearly over, the air is cool and brisk and we’re ready to take long walks to leaf peep in our woods, spend relaxing evenings around our fire pit, and enjoy all the scents and sights of autumn.

For us, fall is also all about warm, hearty comfort foods that are big on flavor. Some of our comfort foods need a bit of revision, though, as we are moving towards incorporating more plant-based foods into our diet. We are also working on reducing calories and reducing the amount of saturated fats in our favorite recipes.

We often have “Meatless Mondays” but I am not Vegan nor Vegetarian, nor is there any medical need (such as lactose intolerance,) to eliminate dairy from our lifestyle. What I do have is a desire to add more plant-based options into our diet and to make better-for-you versions of our favorite meals.

Some brands make it super easy to add more plant-based goodness to our diets without sacrificing the flavors we love.  These products are also lower in fat, lower in calories and available in sugar-free options making them a terrific substitute for the sugar-rich, fat-rich, and calorie-rich dairy products in our favorite recipes.

Fall mealtime is family time for us, we always eat together, when possible in our busy schedules. I also take every opportunity I can get to connect with my sons and have a great family time experience away from the kitchen, even during our weekly shopping trips.

My sons love having input in what’s for dinner throughout the week. They also love filling my cart with their snack-time favorites and seeing what’s new in the game and toy sections.

I love catching up with my sons while we look for the products we need for mealtime and more. We have some of the best conversations as we shop the aisles looking for ingredients or fun fall items to spruce up our home. (I found the loveliest rustic dishes and an awesome pumpkin centerpiece for our kitchen table on this trip!)

Our favorite quick and easy Chicken Tikka Masala recipe makeover is a great place for me to start as it heavily relies on two dairy products for its preparation and flavor – yogurt and milk. My plan to swap in Silk Almond milk Yogurt Alternative and So Delicious Dairy Free Organic Unsweetened Coconut milk worked out brilliantly. The dish maintained the rich, savory flavors we love. Plus, it had an extra, delightful element of earthiness from the Almondmilk yogurt.

Normally, I have to adapt a recipe a few times before finding the perfect balance but my Dairy-Free Chicken Tikka Masala turned out wonderful from the get-go. I truly appreciate how simple it is to make a few swaps to add more plant-based goodness to our lives and dinner table.

I hope you find inspiration along your journey to incorporate more plant-based foods into your life and that you thoroughly enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

Dairy-Free Chicken Tikka Masala

3 lbs chicken breast
1 container (5.3 ounce) Silk Almond milk Yogurt Alternative (Vanilla or Plain)
1/2 cup So Delicious Dairy Free Organic Unsweetened Coconut milk
2 cups pureed tomatoes
2 1/2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups Basmati Rice
Garam Masala
Ginger
Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Pepper

Prep:

One hour prior to cooking your Tikka Masala (or the night before,) cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.

In a large mixing bowl add Silk Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative, 1 tablespoon of Garam Masala, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Stir to fully combine spices with yogurt. Add cubed chicken. Gently stir (or toss) until chicken is fully coated with yogurt mixture. Chill for 1 hour (or overnight.)

You may also mince your garlic and dice the onion one hour prior to cooking, while you are waiting for the chicken to marinate.

Directions:

In a medium sauce pot prepare Basamati rice per manufacturer’s instructions on package. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cooking rice (general cook time is 20-30 minutes.)

While the rice is cooking, in a large sauce pot, over a medium-high heat, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is heated, add a single layer of yogurt-marinated chicken. You may need to add the chicken in batches.

Brown chicken on all sides until fully cooked. Remove from pot and set aside.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to pot. Add onions and ginger. Saute for 5 minutes (or until softened and fragrant,) stirring occasionally.

Add garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes (or until softened and fragrant.)

Add tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of Garam Masala, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and chicken.

Reduce heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

Add So Delicious Dairy Free Organic Unsweetened Coconutmilk. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Optional:

• • Sprinkle a fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top of Chicken Tikka Masala when plated.
  • Naan bread compliments this dish well, however, most varieties of Naan available at the grocer contain dairy. Check your local health food store to see if they have a dairy-free version. You can also find several recipes online by just searching for “dairy free Naan recipe.” If your dietary goal is to add more plant-based products into your diet and a small amount of dairy in your diet is not problematic, regular Naan is available for purchase.