Title: Authentic Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe (Creamy, Spiced & Easy)
Make restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala at home! Juicy grilled chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce—full of warm Indian spices and ready in under an hour.
Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala (Better Than Takeout!)
If you love Indian food, this chicken tikka masala recipe will be your new favorite. Marinated chicken is grilled or pan-seared for that smoky flavor, then simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s comforting and packed with flavor.
Serve it with warm naan or steamed basmati rice for a meal that’s better than your local Indian restaurant!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
2. Cook the chicken:
Grill, broil, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.
3. Make the masala sauce:
Heat oil or butter in a pan. Sauté chopped onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add spices & tomatoes:
Stir in cumin, paprika, chili, garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds. Add tomato puree and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
5. Add cream & chicken:
Lower the heat, stir in cream, and add cooked chicken pieces. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Garnish & serve:
Top with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe:
- Restaurant-quality taste at home
- Bold, rich, and aromatic
- Easy to make in under an hour
- Customizable spice level
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic naan or plain naan
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Side of cucumber raita or pickled onions
- Masala chai or mango lassi
Tips & Variations:
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free yogurt
- Extra smoky flavor: Cook chicken over open flame or use smoked paprika
- Make ahead: The sauce tastes even better the next day!
- Vegetarian option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu
FAQs:
Q: Is chicken tikka masala spicy?
A: It has a medium spice level, but you can reduce or increase chili powder to suit your taste.
Q: Can I freeze chicken tikka masala?
A: Yes, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q: What’s the difference between chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala?
A: Chicken tikka is grilled marinated chicken; tikka masala is the curry version with a creamy tomato sauce.
Final Thoughts:
This chicken tikka masala recipe delivers big flavor with everyday ingredients. It’s creamy, comforting, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weekend cooking.
Tried this recipe?
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