Chicken Tikka Masala

Introduction

Let me introduce you to one of the most beloved Indian dishes that’s taken the world by storm – Chicken Tikka Masala. This creamy, aromatic curry combines tender chunks of marinated chicken with a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s infused with warm Indian spices. What I love about this recipe is how it brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this version strikes the perfect balance between authentic taste and achievable technique.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 (14 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly charred.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. Add butter and all spices, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add cream and cooked chicken pieces. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan bread or rice.

Cook Time and Serving Size

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus marinating time)
Servings: 6 portions

Recipe Notes

• For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or light cream.
• The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To achieve the signature orange-red color, make sure to use bright red paprika.
• For extra heat, add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies or cayenne pepper to taste.
• Remove the cream from the refrigerator 30 minutes before using to prevent curdling when added to the hot sauce.

Chicken Tikka Masala

This creamy, aromatic curry combines tender chunks of marinated chicken with a rich, tomato-based sauce that's infused with warm Indian spices.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion finely diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 14 oz cans tomato sauce
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place marinated chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly charred.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
• Add butter and all spices, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add cream and cooked chicken pieces. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan bread or rice.

Keyword Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian food, curry