How to Make the Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala
Indian · Medium · 60 min · 4 servings
Tender marinated chicken in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce. This beloved dish balances smoky grilled chicken with a velvety masala gravy.
Why this recipe works
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 700 g boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 200 g plain full fat yogurt
- 3 tbsp tikka masala spice blend
- 400 g crushed canned tomatoes
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 large white onion finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix yogurt with half the tikka masala spice blend and salt. Coat chicken chunks thoroughly and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
Step 2: Grill or Broil the Chicken
Cook marinated chicken under a hot broiler or on a grill pan for 8 to 10 minutes turning once until charred at the edges and cooked through. Set aside and do not discard the resting juices.
Step 3: Build the Masala Sauce
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Saute onion for 8 minutes until golden. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in remaining spice blend and toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in crushed tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the grilled chicken and any resting juices into the sauce. Stir well and simmer together for 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce. Taste and adjust salt before serving with rice or naan.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → full fat coconut cream for a dairy free version
- chicken thighs → chickpeas or paneer for a vegetarian option
- plain yogurt → coconut yogurt to keep the dish dairy free
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not marinating the chicken long enough which results in less flavorful and dry meat
- Skipping the broiling step and adding raw chicken directly to the sauce losing the smoky char
- Adding cream over high heat which can cause it to curdle and separate
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 42g protein, 18g carbs, 28g fat, 3g fiber.
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