Chicken Tikka Masala

Tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy spiced tomato sauce — better than takeout and ready in 45 minutes.

Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in the world — and for good reason. Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Total: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Indian Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in the world. Chunks of yogurt-marinated chicken are seared until slightly charred, then simmered in a velvety sauce of tomatoes, cream, and warm spices.

It's comfort food at its finest, and making it at home means you can adjust the spice level and richness exactly to your taste. This recipe keeps things straightforward without cutting corners on flavor.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken. Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat works best) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons garam masala 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt For the Sauce 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon sugar Fresh cilantro for garnish Instructions Marinate the chicken. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor. Sear the chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
3. Remove and set aside. Build the sauce. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Simmer the tomatoes.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add cream and chicken. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Return the chicken pieces to the sauce.
6. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy. Serve. Taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips

Variations

• Paneer Tikka Masala: Swap chicken for cubed paneer cheese for a vegetarian version. Variations Paneer Tikka Masala: Swap chicken for cubed paneer cheese for a vegetarian version.
• Spicier version: Add 1-2 minced green chilies with the garlic, or stir in 1 teaspoon of kashmiri chili powder.
• Lighter version: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option that is equally delicious.
• Slow cooker: After searing the chicken, combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Add cream in the last 30 minutes.

Nutrition (per serving)