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Chicken Tikka Masala

Mouthwatering Chicken Tikka Masala You'll Love to Make at Home

This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe features marinated chicken in a creamy, homemade masala sauce that will become your favorite comfort food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Marination
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken Breasts/Thighs Cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt Swap for dairy-free yogurt for a vegan alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic Paste Fresh ginger and garlic can be used if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Garam Masala
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste
For the Masala Sauce
  • 1 large Onion Finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes 14 oz can
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Swap for coconut milk for a dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons Butter/Ghee
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Optional
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro Chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Additional Lemon Juice

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Marination and Cooking
  1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the cut chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread marinated chicken on a baking sheet or sear in a hot pan. Bake or sear for 15–20 minutes until cooked through. Let the chicken rest.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter or ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown (5–7 minutes), then add garlic and ginger for another minute.
  4. Mix in tomato paste and spices, toasting for 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes on a gentle simmer. Adjust the sauce's thickness with water if needed.
  5. Slowly stir in cream or coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken and warm through for 5 minutes. Ensure the sauce is creamy and flavorful.
  6. Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe offers a delectable balance of spices and creaminess, perfect for impressing guests or as a weeknight dinner.

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