Chicken Tikka Masala

Ah, Chicken Tikka Masala—the dish that’s taken the world by storm and has become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere. This rich, creamy curry is everything you want in a meal: tender chicken marinated in fragrant spices, cooked to perfection, and then bathed in a luscious tomato-based sauce that’s spiced just right. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that never disappoints. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with bold flavors. Trust me when I say, your taste buds are in for a treat!

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Get ready to have your kitchen smell like a cozy, exotic haven as this dish simmers to perfection. Paired with basmati rice or warm naan, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tikka Masala

Flavor Explosion: The combo of smoky, tangy, and aromatic spices—along with that velvety sauce—is what makes this dish a flavor bomb.

Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy, rich sauce just wraps around the chicken in the most satisfying way, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Quick & Easy: This might sound like a complex recipe, but it’s pretty straightforward! The marinade does all the heavy lifting, and the sauce comes together in a flash.

Customizable: You can adjust the heat level to your liking. Want it mild? No problem! Prefer a bit of a kick? Toss in more chili. It’s your kitchen, your rules.

Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes fantastic leftovers! The flavors actually get better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or dinner parties.

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken thighs are ideal here as they remain juicy after cooking, but breasts work too.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: For a little tang and to balance the richness.
• Garlic & Ginger: The aromatics that make everything come alive.
• Ground Turmeric, Garam Masala, Ground Cumin, Paprika: The heart of the marinade, providing that beautiful depth of flavor.
• Chili Powder: For a subtle heat (adjust based on your preference).
• Salt: To bring all the flavors together.

For the sauce:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing.
• Onion: A base for the sauce, softened until golden.
• Garlic & Ginger: More of those essential aromatics.
• Tomato Puree: The heart of the sauce; it gives that deep, rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that velvety, creamy sauce.
• Cumin, Garam Masala, Ground Coriander, Ground Cinnamon: A blend of spices to round out the sauce and add that distinct masala flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
• Fresh Cilantro: To garnish, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, ground turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken (cut into bite-sized cubes) and mix until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but if you can let it marinate for longer (like overnight), even better! The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked through yet—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce!

3. Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until softened and golden. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomato flavor to deepen.

Next, add the spices: cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, letting the spices toast and release their flavor.

4. Add the Cream

Once the spices are fragrant, add the heavy cream to the pan, stirring well to create that luscious, velvety sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or chicken broth.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook and absorb all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or spices.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pair it with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite side to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 95mg
  Sodium: 850mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
  Protein: 38g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 20%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (or longer)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Tikka Masala

With Basmati Rice: The most classic pairing! Basmati rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making it a perfect side to balance the richness of the curry.

With Naan: Soft, fluffy naan is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. If you have time, you can even make your own naan at home—it’s totally worth it!

With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the curry with some simple roasted vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers for a healthier, colorful side.

On a Salad: If you want to keep things lighter, serve the chicken on a fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Additional Tips

Marinate Longer: For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. It’s a total game-changer.

Adjust the Heat: If you want more heat, add fresh chilies to the sauce or increase the chili powder in the marinade. For less heat, tone down the spices.

Vegetarian Version: Try this recipe with paneer or tofu instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect candidate for meal prep or leftovers!

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container, then thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A1: Yes! Chicken breasts work too, but they may dry out a bit more. Chicken thighs are juicier, making them ideal for this dish.

Q2: Can I use store-bought tikka masala sauce?

A2: Absolutely! While homemade sauce is best, store-bought versions can save time and still taste amazing.

Q3: How do I make this dish milder?

A3: Reduce the amount of chili powder and use a mild garam masala. You can also skip the fresh chilies and add a bit more cream to balance the heat.

Q4: Can I make this in advance?

A4: Yes! The chicken and sauce store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even better the next day.

Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala?

A5: Yes! Freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q6: How can I make this dish dairy-free?

A6: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free yogurt for marinating the chicken. It’ll still be rich and delicious!

Q7: Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala without a grill?

A7: Yes! You can pan-sear the chicken or roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, then add it to the sauce.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A8: Absolutely! Vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or spinach would be a great addition to this curry.

Q9: What should I serve with Chicken Tikka Masala?

A9: Serve it with basmati rice, naan, or roti. You can also add a side of roasted veggies or a fresh cucumber salad.

Q10: How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

A10: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into a piece of chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

There you have it—Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish that brings all the flavors you crave in one satisfying bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or impressing guests with your cooking skills, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. The blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fragrant spices is truly irresistible. Get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

Print