Chicken Tikka Masala

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes

Dive into the rich and vibrant world of Indian cuisine with this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe, where every bite is a symphony of spices.

Jump to Recipe

bowl of chicken tikka masala poured over basmati rice

There's something magical about the way Indian cuisine combines spices to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. Chicken Tikka Masala, with its creamy, spiced tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken, is a dish that brings the essence of Indian flavors to your dinner table. It's a recipe that tells a story of cultural fusion, loved not just in India but around the world, making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends who enjoy exploring global cuisines.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 450

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt (for marinade)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin (1 tsp for marinade, 1 tsp for sauce)
2 tsp garam masala (1 tsp for marinade, 1 tsp for sauce)
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (1 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked basmati rice, for serving

Steps

Step 1

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the fridge.

Step 2

Preheat your grill or broiler. Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and cook until charred and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes each side. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden. Add the remaining 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garam masala, and coriander, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add crushed tomatoes to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and grilled chicken. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked basmati rice.

Make it your own!

Vegan Variation: Substitute chicken with tofu and use coconut milk in place of heavy cream.
Adjust the Heat: Add more or less chili powder according to your spice preference.
Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish with bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition.