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Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
5 from 30 votes

Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala blends marinated chicken breast with a richly spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and aromatic spices, then lightly browned before simmering in the creamy sauce. The dish offers a balance of warmth from garam masala, cumin, and paprika alongside the smoothness of coconut milk, making it suitable to serve over rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal. The marination enhances tenderness and depth of flavor throughout.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 209 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For the chicken
  • 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into bite-sized cubes
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the tikka masala
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce one can
  • 1 cup coconut milk canned
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
  • lemon to garnish, wedges

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium bowl prepare the marination by combining the 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, ¾ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and 1 teaspoon salt. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight).
  2. Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set them aside.
  3. To the same skillet add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the 1 medium yellow onion (diced) and 1 teaspoon garlic (minced), and saute for 3-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
  4. Add in the spices: 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon ground coriander,1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder. Saute for a minute.
  5. Stir in the 8 ounces tomato sauce and cook for a couple of minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, add the 1 cup canned coconut milk and cook for 5 minutes.
  6. Once the tikka masala starts bubbling add the chicken back to the pot and allow the masala to simmer for 10 minutes on a low flame.
  7. Once the chicken is cooked through add in the chopped 1 tablespoon cilantro and turn off the heat.
  8. Serve the creamy chicken tikka masala with a bowl of rice to enjoy! Lemon wedges optional.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • Use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for marinating to suit dietary preferences.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for breast if preferred for a juicier texture.
  • Coconut milk provides creaminess; heavy cream can be used instead but will alter calorie content.
  • Serve with rice or cauliflower rice for lower carbohydrate intake.
  • Any cooking oil is acceptable to use based on preference or availability.
  • For a vegetarian version, use tofu in place of chicken and follow the same marinating and cooking steps.

Nutrition Information

Calories 209kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 37g (74%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 109mg (36%) Sodium 1365mg (57%) Potassium 682mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 805IU (16%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 209

% Daily Value*

Calories 209kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 37g 74%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 1365mg 57%
Potassium 682mg 15%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 805IU 16%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

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