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Chicken Tikka Masala | paleo & whole30

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This Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicy warm tomato curry that everyone will love. Made with chicken, tomato sauce, vegetables and some indian spices it is perfect for paleo and whole30 ways of eating. 

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicy warm tomato curry that everyone will love. Made with chicken, tomato sauce, vegetables and some indian spices it is perfect for paleo and whole30 ways of eating. 

Sadly, I know a lot of people that actually DON’T like Indian food. I was one of them for a large part of my life but things change.

Once I tried Indian food, I felt like I missed out on a huge culinary opportunity. I tend to really enjoy the simple flavors of all types of curries. 

I love that curry is essentially just a mix of protein, vegetables and spices.  Curry has so many different varieties in so many different countries.

In fact, I really grew to love all the Japanese curry I ate while living in Hawaii. 

Cooking Indian curry is also close to my heart because it was part of my final dinner project in culinary school. Every time I make curry I am brought back to a time in my life where I was just on the edge of figuring out the HUGE role that food played in my life.

I feel the same way when I make my own special version version Chicken Tikka Masala which is more like a thick soup.

What is Chicken Tikka Masala?

Chicken tikka masala is a dish of chunks of roasted marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce. The sauce is usually creamy and orange-coloured. There are multiple claims to its place of origin, including the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent or Glasgow in Scotland. Source: Wikipedia

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicy warm tomato curry that everyone will love. Made with chicken, tomato sauce, vegetables and some indian spices it is perfect for paleo and whole30 ways of eating. 

What is in Tikka Masala Spice?

In this chicken tikka masala, I used a mix of:

You can find all of these spices in your local grocery store or health food store

What is Garam Masala?

Garam Masala is an indian spice blend made up of cumin, coriander, cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

What kind of chicken can I use for Chicken Tikka Masala?

You can use chicken breast or thighs. It is highly reccomended you use chicken thighs as they are more tender, will add more flavor and will soak up the curry better without drying out.

What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

Butter chicken uses more butter in the sauce to flavor the entire dish. Chicken tikka masala is made with a masala spice blend for flavoring. 

Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala in the Instant Pot?

Yes! To make instant pot chicken tikka masala, Saute chicken and vegetables with spices using the saute mode. Once everything is tender, add remaining ingredients and cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes. 

What makes this Chicken Tikka Masala paleo and Whole30?

Usually in indian cooking, yogurt is used to make a sauce or curry creamy or to marinate protein.

Since there is no such thing as whole30 yogurt or paleo yogurt that contains dairy, this recipe uses coconut milk to make the dish creamy. 

Serve on top of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Also Check Out:

Chicken Tikka Masala | whole30 & paleo

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This Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicy warm tomato curry that everyone will love. Made with chicken, tomato sauce, vegetables and some indian spices it is perfect for paleo and whole30 ways of eating. 

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This Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicy warm tomato curry that everyone will love. Made with chicken, tomato sauce, vegetables and some indian spices it is perfect for paleo and whole30 ways of eating. 

Chicken Tikka Masala | paleo & whole30

  • Author: Valerie Skinner | Thyme and JOY
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 cups
  • Category: entree, curry
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: indian
Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicy warm tomato curry that everyone will love. Made with chicken, tomato sauce, vegetables and some indian spices it is perfect for paleo and whole30 ways of eating. 

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pound Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless), diced in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, small dice
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, small dice
  • 1 pound Golden Potatoes, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 14 oz can Coconut Cream
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil
  • 1/2 tbsp Turmeric
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder
  • 3 tbsp Garam Masala
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

In a 6 quart stock pot, add 1 tbsp avocado oil and heat over medium high heat.

Add in chicken, bell pepper, onion, garlic and spices and saute for 7-10 minutes or until vegetables soften and chicken is no longer opaque

Add in diced potatoes and stir together

Add in tomato sauce and coconut milk and stir to combine

Bring heat to low and simmer curry until tomatoes and potatoes are cooked all the way through stirring often.  This will take about 25-35 minutes.

Adjust seasonings as necessary

Serve hot and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro

Notes

Cut chicken and potatoes the same size to make sure everything cooks all at the same time

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 349

Keywords: how to make chicken tikka masala, paleo chicken tikka masala, whole30 chicken tikka masala, restaurant style chicken tikka masala, dairy free chicken tikka masala, paleo tikka masala, chicken tikka masala coconut milk, healthy chicken tikka masala, whole30 yogurt, indian chicken marsala, instant pot chicken tikka masala

Valerie Skinner is a Whole30 approved personal chef & recipe developer that bridges the gap between healthy eating and busy lives by providing simple healthy meals and recipes for you and your family.Charleston Personal Chef Thyme and JOY

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Pork Chili Verde

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This simple pork chili verde uses pork, tomatillos, jalapenos, green chiles and golden potatoes to make a hearty green chili that is warm and comforting. This recipe can be made on the stovetop.

This simple pork chili verde uses pork, tomatillos, jalapenos, green chiles and golden potatoes to make a hearty green chili that is warm and comforting. This recipe can be made on the stovetop.

This year was the year I got into green chili or chile verde.  I was so used to red salsa, enchiladas and chili all my life, so I opened up my mind to the world of green.

I really like green chili because it’s much different than red.  Since there is less acidity that would usually come from red tomatoes or pepper, it makes for a more earthy flavor that I enjoy.

Upon making this recipe, I decided I should try buying some tomatillos for the first time along with jalapenos and a can of fire roasted green chilis. 

And since I wanted to stay with a theme of making things different this chili has pork instead of chicken which makes for a great flavor! 

What is Chili Verde?

Chili Verde or Chile Verde is a mexican meal that is soup and stew like in texture. A blend of tomatillos, jalapenos and green chilis are roasted then blended together to make the base of the soup. Meat is added along with garlic, onion, peppers and vegetables of your choice. 

Do you spell it Chili or Chile?

The name of peppers can vary from region to region, hence the different spellings. Depending on where you go, it is either “chili pepper”, “chilli pepper”, or “chile pepper”. … “Chile” is actually the Spanish spelling and pronunciation of the word. SOURCE

What kind of pork is used for pork chili verde?

In this recipe for pork chili verde, I used pork tenderloin because I love how tender and lean it is.

You could also use pork shoulder or pork butt with the fat trimmed off. 

CLICK HERE to add this recipe to your PINTEREST BOARDS

This simple pork chili verde uses pork, tomatillos, jalapenos, green chiles and golden potatoes to make a hearty green chili that is warm and comforting. This recipe can be made on the stovetop.

What are tomatillos?

Tomatillos are a mexican husk tomato.  They are green in color and have a papery husk on the outside. Technically a fruit, tomatillos are used in variety of mexican cooking including sauces and salsas. 

Where can I find canned green chilis?

You can find roasted green chilis in any major grocery store in the international or ethnic section. For a whole30 compliant pork chili verde, make sure your canned chilis are free of non-compliant preservatives and sugar. 

How to Roast Your Tomatillos, Jalapenos and Garlic:

This recipe uses tomatillos, jalapenos and garlic to make the green verde sauce bace for the chili. 

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to broil on HIGH
  2. Cut your tomatillos and jalapenos in half and lay them flesh side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Remove the seeds from the jalapenos if you want to keep the spice mild. 
  3. Broil for 5-7 minutes or until skin begins to roast or blacken.  Watch carefully so they do not burn
  4. Add the roasted tomatillos and jalapenos whole to a high speed blender along with canned green chilis and cilantro.
  5. Blend until fully combined but still a little chunky in texture. 
  6. Use this sauce base in the recipe below.

Also Check Out:

Pork Chili Verde

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Pork Chili Verde

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Valerie Skinner | Thyme and JOY
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cups
  • Category: soup, stew, chili, chile
  • Method: stovetop
  • Cuisine: mexican
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Description

This simple pork chili verde uses pork, tomatillos, jalapenos, green chiles and golden potatoes to make a hearty green chili that is warm and comforting. This recipe can be made on the stovetop.

Ingredients

For Verde Sauce Base:

  • 3 Tomatillos (about 2 cups)
  • 2 Jalapenos, medium
  • 16 oz Roasted Green Chiles (canned)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves

For Chili Base:

  • 2 pounds Pork Tenderloin, diced in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, small dice
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
  • 1 pound Golden Potatoes, medium diced
  • 5oz Coconut Milk
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth or Stock
  • 1 tbsp Avocado or Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tbsp Salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tbsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano

Instructions

For Verde Sauce:

  1. Preheat your oven to broil on HIGH
  2. Cut your tomatillos and jalapenos in half and lay them flesh side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Remove the seeds from the jalapenos if you want to keep the spice mild.
  3. Broil for 5-7 minutes or until skin begins to roast or blacken.  Watch carefully so they do not burn
  4. Add the roasted tomatillos and jalapenos whole to a high speed blender along with canned green chilis and cilantro.
  5. Blend until fully combined but still a little chunky in texture.

For Chili Base:

  1. In a large stock pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium high heat.  Add the diced pork and saute for about 5 minutes until all pork turns white.
  2. Add garlic, onion, potatoes bell pepper, salt, ground pepper, oregano, chili powder and cumin and saute for another 5-7 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften making sure that the seasonings are stirred evenly throughout.
  3. Add blended verde sauce and chicken stock and stir to combine.
  4. Turn up the heat to high and bring to a boil for 5 minutes before turning down the heat to a simmer.
  5. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat or until pork and potatoes are fully cooked through.
  6. Add in coconut milk and stir to combine.
  7. Adjust seasonings as necessary.
  8. Serve hot & garnish with cilantro

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 cups
  • Calories: 309

Keywords: authentic pork chili verde, chile verde recipe, instant pot pork chili verde, chili verde recipe, chile verde, chile recipes easy, pork green chili, green chili with pork, green pork chili, whole30 chili verde, paleo green chili, whole30 green chili

How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

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Learn how to cook bacon in the oven which is a total kitchen game changer. Using just a rimmed baking sheet and bacon, you’ll be able to batch cook bacon so you can eat it, store it or use it for all of your low carb meals. 

Learn how to cook bacon in the oven which is a total kitchen game changer. Using just a rimmed baking sheet and bacon, you'll be able to batch cook bacon so you can eat it, store it or use it for all of your low carb meals. 

I’m definitely one of those people who jumped on the bacon craze when it happened.  Well, honestly I feel like the craze never left.  

There is just something about the salty crispy dense cured meat that keeps everyone wanting more.  It helps that it goes with any meal and even has started to creep into the sweeter side of recipes. 

Cooking bacon always seemed like a chore to me. For me, if it wasn’t cooked in a pan then it wasn’t ever going to be the right texture. But taking out the pan and waiting for it to heat up plus all the splatter that could potentially burn you never made a good argument. 

Can you bake bacon?

YES! And it is glorious. There are different types of thickness of bacon and heats you can do this at, but it is possible to get crispy bacon in the oven. 

One Simple Oven Cooked Bacon Secret:

Once I figured this out, it changed everything!

The trick is to put your bacon on a rimmed baking sheet COLD and put it in a COLD oven.  The pre-heating process of the oven begins AFTER you put your bacon in the oven which is contrary to so many cooking tips. 

For whatever reason, cold cooking allows the bacon to stay straight and not curl up while baking which is valuable if you care about the bacon aesthetics or are using it to make certain recipes.

Make sure your oven rack is in the center! 

How to Cook Bacon on a Rimmed Baking Sheet:

You’ll need a rimmed baking sheet for oven cooked bacon so that you don’t lose all the fat all over the oven and potentially start a fire.

My favorite baking sheets and baking pans of all time are by the brand USA Pans.  They are commercial grade and have held up really well in my personal chef adventures.

You can place aluminum foil or parchment paper on the rimmed baking sheet so that you do not have to clean as much grease off of the pan.

I usually just cook with the bacon flat on the pan, but you can also use a non-stick cooling rack that is oven safe for oven bacon. 

You can usually get 8-9 strips of bacon on the pan depending on it’s size and length. 

CLICK HERE to save this recipe to your PINTEREST BOARDS

Learn how to cook bacon in the oven which is a total kitchen game changer. Using just a rimmed baking sheet and bacon, you'll be able to batch cook bacon so you can eat it, store it or use it for all of your low carb meals. 

What temperature should I bake bacon?

It depends on how thick your bacon is: 

  • 350 Degrees: for thin-medium strips of bacon
  • 375 Degrees: for thick cut bacon

No matter what the thickness of your bacon is, it is important to always check your bacon every 5 minutes as oven temperatures vary.

How long do I cook bacon in the oven? 

I always start with 15 minutes at 350 degrees with any type of bacon and keep checking every 5 minutes until desired outcome is reached:

  • 15 minutes: almost crispy, great for reheating in half the time
  • 16-20 minutes: very crispy, almost burnt

How can I store oven cooked bacon?

  • When your bacon comes out of the oven, use tongs to add each piece to a plate or pan lined with paper towels to absorb any excess bacon grease. 
  • Once pan is cooled, you can pour the bacon fat into a glass jar and re-use for cooking!  Great especially if you buy high quality bacon because you are getting a high quality cooking fat out of it!
  • To store your bacon, use a glass storage container or ziploc bag and places layers of strips between paper towels.  This will ensure that the bacon strips won’t stick to each other or break.
  • To reheat, simply add to a hot skillet, air fryer or microwave between 2 paper towels on a microwave safe dish. 
  • Bacon can be stored in the fridge for one week. 
Print
Learn how to cook bacon in the oven which is a total kitchen game changer. Using just a rimmed baking sheet and bacon, you'll be able to batch cook bacon so you can eat it, store it or use it for all of your low carb meals. 

How To Cook Bacon In The Oven

  • Author: Valerie Skinner | Thyme and JOY
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 8 strips of baking
  • Category: breakfast, protein, meat
  • Method: baking, oven baked
  • Cuisine: american
Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to cook bacon in the oven which is a total kitchen game changer. Using just a rimmed baking sheet and bacon, you’ll be able to batch cook bacon so you can eat it, store it or use it for all of your low carb meals. 

Ingredients

  • 8-10 strips of bacon

Instructions

  1. On a rimmed baking sheet, place bacon strips next to each other. Do not overlap.
  2. Aluminum foil or parchment paper can be used to line the rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Place in a cold oven then set the temperature to 350 and the cook time to 15 minutes.
  4. Check every 5 minutes until desired level of cooked bacon is reached.
  5. Place on paper towels to drain excess bacon grease.
  6. Store in glass container or ziploc bag with paper towels between the strips of bacon.
  7. Will stay good for 1 week.
  8. Reheat on skillet, air fryer or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 strips
  • Calories: 86
  • Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 0
  • Protein: 6

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