Chicken Tikka Masala

Aug 23, 2025August 23, 20251 0 15
Chicken Tikka Masala
in India

Servings

6

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook time

45 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast
1 cup plain greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh grated ginger or 3 tbsp ginger paste
4 tbsp minced garlic
4 tsp garam masala
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp turmeric
1 to 2 tsp red chili powder (depending on your spice tolerance)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tsbp butter
1 large onion, finely diced
14 oz crushed tomato
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Nutrition Details

Calories
437
Protein
27 g
Fat
31 g
Carbs
10 g
Fiber
1.6 g
Sugars
4 g
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, bringing together the bold flavors of Indian spices with the creamy richness of a tomato-based sauce. This dish has...

Recipe Instructions

1.Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces
2.Mix the chicken, yogurt, lemon and half of the minced garlic, ginger, Garam Masala, turmeric, ground cumin, salt, and chili powder in a bowl. Let it marinate for 1-5 hours.
3.Add the oil to a large skillet or saucepan and heat to medium temperature. Add the chicken to the pan and fry it, stirring regularly. Cook until you have golden browned edges on the chicken.
4.Pour the chicken and mix into a bowl and let it rest.
5.Add the butter to the hot pan and let it melt. Add the onions and cook until tender and lightly translucent.
6.Add the rest of the garlic and ginger and stir it in. Cook it for 2-3 minutes then add the rest of the Garam Masala, turmereric, and cumin and stir it all in.
7.Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir it all together. Cook it over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until it's been reduced down to a paste consistency and has turned into a deep red-brown color.
8.Stir in the salt and red pepper, then immediately pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mix is simmering.
9.Serve over rice. We used turmeric rice in the picture with this recipe.

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, bringing together the bold flavors of Indian spices with the creamy richness of a tomato-based sauce. This dish has a fascinating history that bridges cultures—it is often said to have originated in the United Kingdom, where Indian chefs adapted traditional recipes to suit British tastes. The result was a dish that quickly became a global favorite, known for its balance of smoky, spiced chicken and a silky, flavorful curry sauce.

At the heart of Chicken Tikka Masala is marinated chicken, typically soaked in yogurt and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The chicken is then grilled or roasted until slightly charred, giving it that irresistible “tikka” character. What truly makes the dish shine, however, is the sauce: a luscious mix of tomatoes, cream (or coconut milk), onions, and fragrant spices that envelops the chicken in velvety goodness.

Chicken Tikka Masala is versatile and comforting, pairing perfectly with fluffy basmati rice, buttery naan, or even a simple flatbread. Each bite is a harmony of warmth, spice, and creaminess—comforting enough for a cozy family meal, yet vibrant enough to impress guests at a dinner party.

While researching this recipe I found some conflicting instruction on how long to marinate the chicken. Some cooks say it should be overnight, others say as little as 15 minutes. In the end, I decided to marinate for 2 hours. Using yogurt and lemon juice in the marinade brings in a lot of acid for the chicken. If you go too long that can denature the chicken, making it tough and rob it of the chicken flavor. I wanted to enjoy all the flavors of the marinade while still being able to taste the chicken. For us, 2 hours seemed perfect. The flavor was perfect.

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