Name: Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: – 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes; – 1/2 cup plain yogurt; – 1 tbsp lemon juice; – 2 tsp ground cumin; – 2 tsp ground coriander; – 1 tsp ground turmeric; – 1 tsp garam masala; – 1/2 tsp chili powder; – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; – 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – Salt, to taste; – 2 tbsp vegetable oil; – 1 medium onion, finely chopped; – 2 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; – 1 tbsp garam masala; – 1 tsp ground cumin; – 1 tsp ground coriander; – 1/2 tsp chili powder; – 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; – 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes; – 1/2 cup heavy cream; – 1/4 cup water or chicken broth; – Salt, to taste; – Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and comforting, look no further than Chicken Tikka Masala. The tender chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, then simmered in a creamy, aromatic tomato-based sauce, will transport your taste buds straight to flavor heaven. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Trust me, the combination of spices, creaminess, and smoky chicken is the perfect comfort food!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Tikka Masala

This classic dish is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Here’s why it should be on your must-try list:

Versatile: Chicken Tikka Masala is perfect for any occasion—serve it with basmati rice, naan, or even a simple salad for a complete meal.

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and affordable, yet the flavor is anything but ordinary. A little goes a long way!

Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s packed with flavor and creamy goodness.

Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to your liking—whether you prefer a mild version or something a little more fiery, this recipe is easy to tweak.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, family meal, or just for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful, creamy Chicken Tikka Masala:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices to make it tender, juicy, and flavorful.

Yogurt: This adds a tangy richness to the marinade, helping the chicken stay moist and flavorful.

Garlic and Ginger: Essential in Indian cooking, these two ingredients provide depth and warmth to the dish.

Ground Spices: A mixture of garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric creates that signature warm, earthy flavor that makes Tikka Masala so delicious.

Tomato Paste: For a rich, thick tomato base that adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its velvety smooth, creamy texture.

Onions: They add sweetness and flavor to the sauce, making it beautifully balanced.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal finish that lifts the dish and adds a pop of color.

Olive Oil or Ghee: For sautéing the onions and cooking the chicken, adding richness to the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this classic Chicken Tikka Masala:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, ground spices, and salt. Mix everything well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).

Cook the Chicken: Heat some oil or ghee in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add more oil or ghee if necessary. Sauté chopped onions until they become soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Spices: Stir in the ground spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric) and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.

Add Tomato Paste and Cream: Stir in the tomato paste, and let it cook for 2 minutes before adding the heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, and let the sauce thicken slightly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth.

Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.

Finish and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice, naan bread, or a fresh salad. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Nutrition Facts:

(Note: The full nutrition details are in the recipe card below.)

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450-500 (approximately)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45-60 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many different sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Basmati Rice: The fluffiness of basmati rice perfectly soaks up the rich, creamy sauce.
Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the sauce.
Side Salad: A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad balances the richness of the dish and adds a light contrast.

Additional Tips

For an extra smoky flavor, you can char the chicken in a hot pan or even on a grill before adding it to the sauce.
If you want a dairy-free version, swap the yogurt and heavy cream for coconut yogurt and coconut milk.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors tend to develop even more with time.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and richness to the dish, making it even more flavorful.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Masala?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stove and serve with fresh rice or naan.

4. Is this dish very spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted. If you like it milder, simply use less chili powder or omit the spicy ingredients in the marinade.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or even tofu.

6. Can I use store-bought Tikka Masala paste?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought paste as a shortcut, but homemade tastes the best!

7. How do I make the chicken more tender?
Marinating the chicken for a longer time (overnight) helps it become more tender and flavorful.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Yes! You can add peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

10. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken first, then add it along with the sauce ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Masala is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The tender chicken, aromatic spices, and silky sauce make this dish an instant classic that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this beloved Indian dish—you’ll be craving it again and again!