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Traditional Chicken Tikka Masala (Stovetop)

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala recipe for a flavorful, restaurant-style curry featuring juicy, marinated chicken cooked until perfectly charred, then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with warming spices.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Marinating Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 40 mins
Calories: 299 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For the Marinade
  • 1½ lbs chicken breasts or thighs cut into 2-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves kasoori methi
  • 1 tablespoon oil for basting
For the Curry Sauce
  • 2 tablespoon oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 3 plum tomatoes chopped (or 1½ cups tomato puree)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 to 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream or ½ cup cashews blended with ½ cup water
Optional for Smoky Flavor
  • 1 piece charcoal
  • ¼ teaspoon ghee
To Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves kasoori methi
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

Marinate and Cook the Chicken
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken
  3. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers or place on a grill rack. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes to get charred edges. Alternatively, cook in the air fryer at 380°F for 10–15 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. Cover after each stir to retain moisture and avoid browning.
  2. Add ginger and garlic paste, sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes (or puree), turmeric, salt, chili powder, and garam masala. Add the water, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Blend the mixture into a smooth sauce using an immersion blender or in a deep bowl.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Return the sauce to the pan. Add cooked chicken, cream (or cashew blend), and fenugreek leaves. Mix well and simmer until everything is heated through.
Add Optional Smoky Flavor (Dhungar)
  1. For a tandoori-style aroma, place a small steel bowl over the curry. Using tongs, heat a charcoal piece over an open flame until red-hot. Place the charcoal in the bowl, drizzle ghee on top, and immediately cover the pan to trap the smoke. Let it infuse for 5 minutes, then discard the charcoal and stir the curry.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice.

Nutrition Information

Calories 299kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 0.04g Cholesterol 97mg (32%) Sodium 1518mg (63%) Potassium 619mg (18%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 888IU (18%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 54mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 299

% Daily Value*

Calories 299kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 8g 3%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 0.04g 2%
Cholesterol 97mg 32%
Sodium 1518mg 63%
Potassium 619mg 13%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 888IU 18%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 54mg 5%
Iron 1mg 6%

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