Introduction
Chicken Tikka Masala is an iconic dish that beautifully marries bold Indian spices with a creamy, tomato-based sauce. Marinated pieces of chicken are grilled or pan-fried, then simmered in a rich and flavorful masala gravy that’s savory, smoky, and soul-warming. Whether served over basmati rice or with warm naan, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is an absolute favorite because it’s layered with flavor, satisfying, and just the right mix of creamy and spicy. It’s a must-try because it tastes like it came straight from a high-end Indian restaurant — but you can make it at home! The marinated chicken absorbs every ounce of flavor, and the velvety sauce is downright addictive. It’s a show-stopping main course that never fails to impress.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (without rice or naan)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste

For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices.
- Add chicken pieces, mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet with a bit of oil.
- Cook marinated chicken in batches until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Masala Sauce
- In a large pan, heat oil and butter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, garam masala, and chili powder; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until thickened and deep red.
- Stir in cream and season with salt. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce.
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is coated and sauce is rich.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.

How to Serve
Serve hot with:
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Warm naan, roti, or paratha
- Side of cucumber raita or green salad
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream or butter for extra richness
Tips & Variations
Tips:
- For smokier flavor, char the chicken slightly or finish in a grill pan.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Let the sauce simmer to develop richness before adding chicken.
Variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt for marinade & coconut cream in sauce.
- Vegetarian: Substitute paneer or tofu for chicken.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped green chilies or increase red chili powder.
- Low-Fat Version: Replace cream with Greek yogurt (add it off heat to prevent curdling).
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze chicken tikka masala in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water.
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill pan or non-stick skillet
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan or kadai
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
Conclusion
Chicken Tikka Masala is the ultimate comfort food — rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect for weekend dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with bold Indian flavors. Once you try this version, you’ll never want takeout again. It’s a timeless classic that belongs in every home cook’s recipe box!

Chicken Tikka Masala
Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is an iconic dish that beautifully marries bold Indian spices with a creamy, tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients
For Chicken Marinade:
For Masala Sauce:
Instructions
-
Marinate Chicken: Mix chicken with marinade ingredients. Chill for 1 hour.
-
Cook Chicken: Grill or pan-fry until browned. Set aside.
-
Make Sauce: Sauté onions in oil & butter. Add garlic, spices, and tomatoes. Cook until thick.
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Finish: Stir in cream, simmer. Add chicken, cook 10 mins more.
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Serve: Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.