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Chicken Tikka Masala

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This homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is just like the one from your favorite Indian restaurant—maybe even better! It’s got tender, juicy bits of char-grilled chicken nestled in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced
  • 2 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup water (if needed)

To Serve:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Naan bread
  • Cooked basmati rice

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for best results).
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd), letting it sear undisturbed for 1 minute. Then sauté until browned, about 5 more minutes. Remove and keep warm.
  3. In the same pan, melt butter. Add onions and cook for about 3 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Stir in ginger and garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Stir for 15 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce, and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened and deepened in color.
  7. Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated.
  8. Return the chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until cooked through and sauce is thick and bubbling. Add a splash of water if needed to thin.
  9. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, and fresh cilantro.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

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