Go Back

chicken tikka masala recipes

Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful Indian dish made with marinated pieces of chicken, grilled to perfection and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish is best served with rice or naan bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 skewers if grilling
  • 1 grill or oven
  • 1 frying pan or skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 14 oz can
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, vegetable oil, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and coat well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  • Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto them. Grill or bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
  • In a frying pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and mix until well combined.
  • Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

For added heat, you can include chopped green chili or cayenne pepper in the marinade or sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with buttery naan or fragrant basmati rice.
You can also substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.