Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 28 ounces chicken thighs, boneless, skinless.; 1 cup plain yogurt.; 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced.; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced.; 2 teaspoons garam masala.; 1 teaspoon turmeric.; 1 teaspoon ground cumin.; 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili.; 1 teaspoon salt.; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.; 2 tablespoons butter.; 2 small onions, finely diced.; 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, grated.; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated.; 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala.; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin.; 1 teaspoon turmeric.; 1 teaspoon ground coriander.; 14 ounces tomato puree.; 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili.; 1 teaspoon red chili powder.; 1 teaspoon salt.; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream.; 1 teaspoon brown sugar.; 1/4 cup water (if needed).; 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro.

This restaurant-quality chicken tikka masala can be made right at home in one pan. The chicken marinates in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a rich, creamy curry sauce. Perfect with rice and naan bread.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.

By Meryem

Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:34:18 GMT

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A bowl of creamy chicken curry garnished with fresh herbs served over fluffy white rice. | quickierecipe.com

Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala

Let me share this incredible Chicken Tikka Masala recipe with you. It's all about tender chicken swimming in the most amazing spiced tomato cream sauce. The flavors are restaurant quality but you can make it right in your own kitchen. Trust me this one-pot wonder will become your new favorite comfort food.

Why This Recipe Works

Y'all this isn't just any chicken dish. The yogurt marinade makes the chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth and that sauce oh my goodness. It's the perfect balance of rich and spicy perfect for everything from casual dinners to special occasions.

What You Need

The Star: Two pounds chicken thighs they stay super juicy.
Tender Touch: Cup of plain yogurt for marinating.
Spice Magic: Garam masala turmeric cumin coriander and Kashmiri chili.
Fresh Flavor: Minced garlic and fresh grated ginger.
Sweet Base: One large onion finely diced.
Rich Sauce: Cup of tomato puree for depth.
Creamy Dream: Half cup heavy cream makes it luxurious.
Extra Rich: Two tablespoons butter for silkiness.
For Cooking: Just a bit of vegetable oil.
Fresh Finish: Cilantro for garnish.

A bowl of white rice topped with chicken in a rich, orange sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside lime wedges. | quickierecipe.com

Making Your Masala

Start With Marinade: Mix yogurt spices garlic and ginger coat that chicken let it rest at least an hour.
Cook The Chicken: Get your pan hot sear the chicken until golden set it aside.
Build Your Sauce: Melt butter cook those onions until sweet add garlic ginger and spices.
Make It Saucy: Pour in tomato puree let it simmer and develop those flavors.
Bring It Together: Stir in cream add chicken back simmer until perfect.
Final Touch: Check your seasoning add fresh cilantro serve it hot.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this beauty with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. Want to make it extra special? Add a cool cucumber raita fresh tomato salad or some roasted veggies on the side. Love experimenting? Try it with paneer tofu or shrimp.

A bowl of creamy butter chicken served with fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why marinate in yogurt?: Yogurt tenderizes the chicken while helping the spices adhere. Even a short marinade makes a difference in flavor and texture.
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?: Yes, though thighs stay more tender. If using breasts, don't overcook as they can dry out more easily.
→ What is Kashmiri chili?: It's a mild chili powder that adds beautiful red color. Regular chili powder works too, but adjust amount for desired heat level.
→ Can I reduce the cream?: Evaporated milk makes a good lower-calorie substitute. The sauce won't be quite as rich but still delicious.
→ Why cook chicken in batches?: This prevents overcrowding which would steam rather than brown the chicken, affecting both texture and flavor.

Chicken Tikka Masala

A homemade version of the classic Indian dish featuring marinated chicken in a rich, creamy curry sauce. Rivals any restaurant version.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 1 pan

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 28 ounces chicken thighs, boneless, skinless.

02 1 cup plain yogurt.

03 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced.

04 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced.

05 2 teaspoons garam masala.

06 1 teaspoon turmeric.

07 1 teaspoon ground cumin.

08 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili.

09 1 teaspoon salt.

10 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

11 2 tablespoons butter.

12 2 small onions, finely diced.

13 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, grated.

14 1 tablespoon ginger, grated.

15 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala.

16 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin.

17 1 teaspoon turmeric.

18 1 teaspoon ground coriander.

19 14 ounces tomato puree.

20 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili.

21 1 teaspoon red chili powder.

22 1 teaspoon salt.

23 1 1/4 cups heavy cream.

24 1 teaspoon brown sugar.

25 1/4 cup water (if needed).

26 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix chicken with marinade ingredients. Let sit 10 minutes to overnight.

Step 02

Heat oil in large pan. Cook chicken in batches. Brown 3 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.

Step 03

Melt butter in same pan. Fry onions 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger. Add ground spices. Cook 20 seconds. Add tomato puree and chilies. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Add cream and sugar. Return chicken to pan. Cook 8-10 minutes more. Add water if needed.

Step 04

Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice and naan.