5 from 45 votes
Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala
The Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala features flavorful chunks of chicken marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and cooked separately before being added to a thick tomato-based sauce enriched with cream and cilantro. The dish balances warming spices like cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and garam masala with fresh garlic and ginger for a rich and aromatic result common to this classic Indian-inspired meal.
Servings:
4
Calories:
438 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Indian
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breast about 2 lbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup yogurt whole
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons ginger minced, fresh
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes canned
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped + some for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Prep your spices and tomatoes. Mix all of the spices (except salt) in a small bowl and set aside. Open the can of tomatoes and set aside.
- Cut chicken into 2 inch chunks and season with salt. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the yogurt with half of the spice mixture. Add chicken and stir to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes in the fridge.
- Toast your spices by adding1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large sauce pan and add the rest of the spice mix stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Add ginger, and garlic and stir for another 30 seconds and then immediately add the tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir often and let thicken, 8-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a separate large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, shaking off excess marinade. Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through at least 165 degrees, for about 7- 10 minutes.
- Add the cream and chopped cilantro to the tomato sauce and let simmer until thickened. About another 5 minutes.
- Add chicken to saucepan with sauce and stir to coat and mix well.
- Serve over rice or with naan and garnish with more fresh cilantro.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- You can use lower-fat yogurt instead of whole yogurt to reduce fat content.
- Half and half or whole milk can replace heavy cream, though sauce creaminess will decrease.
- If fresh garlic and ginger are unavailable, substitute with 2 teaspoons ground ginger and 1 teaspoon garlic powder added to the spice mixture.
Nutrition Information
Calories
438kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
17g
(6%)
Protein
42g
(84%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Trans Fat
0.1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
158mg
(53%)
Sodium
2140mg
(89%)
Potassium
1241mg
(26%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
2806IU
(56%)
Vitamin C
14mg
(16%)
Calcium
186mg
(19%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 438
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 438kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 158mg | 53% |
| Sodium | 2140mg | 89% |
| Potassium | 1241mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 2806IU | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 186mg | 19% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.