Chicken Tikka Masala

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

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices.
2. Add chicken pieces, mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Make the Masala Sauce

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

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

1. Add cooked chicken to the sauce.
2. Simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is coated and sauce is rich.
3. 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!