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4.9 from 75 votes

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian-style curry with tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted and simmered in creamy curry sauce. It is very comforting and perfect for any curry lover.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Marinating
1 hr
Servings: 6
Calories: 496 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian , American

Ingredients

CHICKEN MARINADE
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces (use chicken breast or chicken thigh, or both)
  • 1 cup PLAIN yogurt whole milk
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons Coriander
  • 2 teaspoons Turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (or use Kashmiri chili)
  • salt to taste
TIKKA MASALA SAUCE
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper chopped (Use Kashmiri peppers if you can obtain them, or other local peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoons cayenne powder optional for extra spicy
  • salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce or more to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • FOR SERVING: Fresh chopped cilantro, chili flakes, naan, steamed basmati rice

Instructions

MARINATE THE CHICKEN
    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the chicken pieces to a small bowl. Add the yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours).
ROAST THE CHICKEN
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Remove the chicken and place the marinated pieces onto skewers. Set them onto a lined baking sheet and bake them for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Set aside. (NOTE: You can also grill or pan cook the chicken if desired).
MAKE THE TIKKA MASALA SAUCE
  1. Heat the oil in a large pan to medium heat. Add the onion and peppers. Cook for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cayenne, and garam masala. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. You can simmer longer if you'd like to develop more flavor. Add a bit of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  4. Add the heavy cream and stir to mix through.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skewers and stir it into the simmering sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Garnish and serve! Chicken tikka masala is great with steamed rice and warmed naan bread.

Notes

  • The Peppers. Use your favorite local chili peppers for this recipe. It is usually made with Kashmiri peppers for a more authentic experience, though any peppers can be used. Use bell peppers for a milder version.
  • The Yogurt. I prefer fresh, plain, whole milk yogurt for this recipe. Greek yogurt will work just fine here, but it a bit thicker and can affect consistency.
  • Creaminess. Most recipes call for using heavy cream, though I have seen many variations with coconut milk instead. Make a lighter version with milk, sour cream or crema.
  • Leftovers. Store any leftover chicken tikka masala covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes nicely in covered containers or freezer bags for 3 months easily.

Nutrition Information

Calories 496kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 39g (78%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 155mg (52%) Sodium 630mg (26%) Potassium 1238mg (35%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 2578IU (52%) Vitamin C 38mg (42%) Calcium 132mg (13%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 496

% Daily Value*

Calories 496kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 39g 78%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 155mg 52%
Sodium 630mg 26%
Potassium 1238mg 26%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 2578IU 52%
Vitamin C 38mg 42%
Calcium 132mg 13%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.