Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chunks or marinated chicken simmered in a spiced tomato cream sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and perfect served with rice or warm naan bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish blends smoky grilled chicken with a velvety, spiced sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a restaurant-quality meal I can make at home, and the combination of spices makes it irresistible. The best part? I can control the heat, creaminess, and richness to suit my taste. It’s perfect for family dinners or when I want to impress guests without too much effort.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade:
-
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
-
Plain yogurt
-
Lemon juice
-
Garlic, minced
-
Ginger, grated
-
Ground cumin
-
Ground coriander
-
Garam masala
-
Paprika
-
Salt
For the Sauce:
-
Butter or oil
-
Onion, finely chopped
-
Garlic, minced
-
Ginger, grated
-
Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
-
Heavy cream or coconut milk
-
Garam masala
-
Ground cumin
-
Paprika
-
Chili powder (optional, for heat)
-
Sugar (to balance acidity)
-
Salt and pepper
-
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
-
I start by combining all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and adding the chicken pieces. I mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
-
Once marinated, I either grill, broil, or pan-sear the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred. I set it aside while I prepare the sauce.
-
In a large skillet, I heat butter or oil and sauté the onions until soft and golden. Then I add the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
-
I stir in the spices and cook for about 1 minute to toast them. Then I pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
-
I reduce the heat and stir in the cream, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Once the sauce is creamy and smooth, I add the cooked chicken and simmer everything together for another 10 minutes.
-
I garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people and takes around 45 minutes, including prep and cooking time. Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor, but the cook time stays nice and manageable.
Variations
Sometimes I swap heavy cream for coconut milk when I want a dairy-free version. I’ve also used chicken breast for a leaner dish, but chicken thighs stay juicier. When I want more veggies, I add spinach or peas toward the end of cooking. And for extra heat, I include a pinch of cayenne or chopped green chili.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover chicken tikka masala keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store it in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Is chicken tikka masala spicy?
It can be! I usually adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of chili powder or adding yogurt to mellow it out. It’s easy to make it mild or fiery, depending on what I feel like.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, and I actually think it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. I often make it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
I prefer boneless chicken thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts also work if I cook them carefully to avoid drying out.
Do I need to grill the chicken?
Grilling gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor, but when I’m in a rush, I sear it in a hot pan and still get great results.
Can I use store-bought tikka masala sauce?
I can, but making the sauce from scratch is so much more flavorful. Store-bought is fine in a pinch, though, especially if I’m short on time.
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of those dishes I never get tired of making. It’s flavorful, creamy, and comforting—everything I want in a cozy dinner. With just a little prep and the right spices, I can bring restaurant-style flavor to my own kitchen anytime.
