Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with marinated grilled chicken chunks simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s comforting, aromatic, and best served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 1/2 cups tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat oil or ghee in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter or ghee. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato purée, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garam masala. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and darkened slightly.
- Add cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the chili powder.
- This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
