Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe delivers bold, smoky, and creamy flavors without requiring a plane ticket to India. Juicy, spice-marinated chicken gets charred to perfection before simmering in a rich, tomato-based, garlicky, and buttery sauce. The result? A dish that puts bland takeout to shame. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, and you’ve got a meal worthy of a five-star review—even if you’re the only critic. Cooking this at home saves money, avoids questionable restaurant shortcuts, and lets you control the spice level. Ready to impress yourself? Let’s dive in.
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Tender, marinated chicken chunks grilled and simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, served with rice or naan for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 chicken breasts boneless & cubed
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups tomato puree
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon sugar to balance flavors
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing it with yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for better flavor).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, then cook the chicken in batches until golden and slightly charred. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until softened and fragrant.
- Add the dry spices and stir for 30 seconds, letting them release their flavors.
- Pour in tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat, then stir in heavy cream and sugar, creating a velvety sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan, letting it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 18%
- Iron: 12%
- Calcium: 10%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Potassium: 14%
Extra Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavors.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier texture.
- Broil or grill the chicken for an authentic smoky taste.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder.
- Don’t skip butter—it gives the sauce its signature richness.
