If you’re longing for a dish that’s both irresistibly creamy and bursting with layers of bold, aromatic spices, Chicken Tikka Masala is the answer. From its succulent pieces of marinated chicken to its velvety tomato and cream sauce, this dish is an absolute comfort classic that makes any kitchen smell extraordinary. Whether you want to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself to a cozy night in, Chicken Tikka Masala brings a taste of restaurant-quality Indian cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Tikka Masala lies in a handful of vibrant, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building the dish’s rich depth, color, and irresistible aroma—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find spices required.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs): These stay juicy and soak up all the flavor from the marinade, making every bite tender.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup): Gives the chicken its luscious texture while tenderizing it beautifully during marination.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Freshens up the marinade and adds a pleasant zesty note.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon): Delivers a warm, earthy punch both in the marinade and the sauce.
- Ground coriander (2 teaspoons): Balances the spice mix with its slightly citrusy flavor.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Not only colors the chicken a golden hue but also adds subtle warmth.
- Garam masala (1 teaspoon + 1 teaspoon): This staple Indian spice blend brings complex, robust flavor to both the marinade and sauce.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle smokiness that echoes traditional tandoor cooking.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps with browning the chicken and building the sauce base.
- Large onion, finely chopped (1): Sweetness and body for the sauce start right here.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Deepens the savory notes in the sauce.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Adds bright, peppery heat that’s essential for real Chicken Tikka Masala.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on the vibrant color and gentle heat.
- Cayenne pepper (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who like an extra kick!
- Tomato sauce (1 15oz can): Gives the sauce its body and characteristic tangy richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings all the flavors together in creamy harmony.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (¼ cup, optional): The classic garnish that adds bright color and fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, two teaspoons each of cumin and coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss in the chicken pieces and mix until every bite is thoroughly coated. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour (overnight is even better). When you let the flavors truly soak in, you set the stage for a Chicken Tikka Masala that’s deliciously memorable.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Shake off any extra marinade and add the chicken pieces, giving them space to brown instead of steam—do this in batches if necessary. Sear until the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set the chicken aside, resisting the urge to sneak a bite!
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same pan, add the rest of the oil and your finely chopped onion. Sauté for around 5 minutes until the onions turn soft, sweet, and golden. Add in the garlic, freshly grated ginger, the remaining cumin, paprika, garam masala, and optional cayenne pepper. Let these become fragrant—that’s when you know your sauce is off to a good start.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and give everything a good stir to dissolve all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it gently simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to that iconic Chicken Tikka Masala consistency.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Chicken
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring slowly. Add the browned chicken back into the pan, along with any precious juices. Let everything simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is luxuriously thick. Just before serving, sprinkle over a handful of fresh cilantro for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Chicken Tikka Masala
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with your toppings! A sprinkling of fresh cilantro brings color and a vibrant herbal note. If you love a pop of flavor, a dollop of yogurt or a few toasted nuts works beautifully too. It’s these little extras that make Chicken Tikka Masala feel truly special on the plate.
Side Dishes
This saucy dish is made for soaking up with sides. Fluffy basmati rice is a go-to, letting the grains soak up every drop of that sumptuous sauce. Freshly baked naan or roti are also amazing for scooping and sopping. For an extra splash of color and crunch, serve with a cool cucumber raita or a bright side salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving Chicken Tikka Masala as part of a small-plates spread alongside veggie curries and Indian pickles. Or, pile it high in a bowl, top with colorful garnishes, and serve with naan triangles for an easy, hands-on meal. Individual mini serving bowls can turn any dinner into a festive gathering—don’t forget plenty of napkins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Tikka Masala actually gets even better as it sits, making leftovers a true treat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, and the chicken stays beautifully tender.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion the cooled Chicken Tikka Masala into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results—just keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly but will come back together with gentle warming and stirring.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to their silky, delicious best, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If the sauce is a little thick, add a splash of water, cream, or even coconut milk. A quick microwave reheat works in a pinch—just cover and use medium power to avoid drying the chicken.
FAQs
Is Chicken Tikka Masala very spicy?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The base recipe is full of flavor without being overly hot, and you can easily adjust the cayenne to taste or leave it out for a milder dish that everyone will love.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well, though thighs stay juicier and contribute more flavor. If using breast, watch your cooking time so it doesn’t go dry—just cook until barely done before simmering in the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut milk makes a wonderful dairy-free swap, bringing a subtle sweetness. You can also lighten things up with half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though the sauce may not be quite as rich.
How can I make Chicken Tikka Masala vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for cubes of paneer cheese or firm tofu, and marinate as you would with chicken. The rest of the process is exactly the same, so you’ll still get all that signature flavor.
Why does my sauce look separated or thin?
This can happen if the cream is added too quickly or boiled too hard. For a perfect result, add cream slowly on low heat and stir often. If the sauce is too thin, let it gently simmer uncovered to thicken up.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Chicken Tikka Masala at home, now’s the perfect time! It’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and incredibly rewarding to cook from scratch. Gather your spices and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and chances are you’ll want to put this on your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the exotic flavors of this creamy and aromatic Chicken Tikka Masala, a classic Indian dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, cook the marinated chicken until browned. Remove from skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, ginger, spices. Add tomato sauce, simmer, then stir in heavy cream.
- Combine and Serve: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, simmer until sauce thickens. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use coconut milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
