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Chicken Tikka Masala

Mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala with Homemade Spice Love

This Chicken Tikka Masala combines tender chicken with a rich, spiced tomato sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts or Thighs or tofu/paneer for vegetarian option
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste or freshly minced ginger and garlic
For the Spices
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tbsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder adjust for spice preference
  • 1 tsp Salt
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter or Ghee
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger grated
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk for dairy-free option
  • 1 tbsp Sugar optional
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp Additional Lemon Juice for brightness before serving

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • measuring cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula

Method
 

Marinade and Cook Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and oil. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and coat in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, and sear marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until charred. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare Sauce
  1. Melt butter or ghee in the same skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden brown for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute.
  2. Sprinkle in the remaining spices, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  3. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream or coconut milk, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as required.
  4. Add seared chicken back into the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. Customize spice levels to personal preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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