Chicken Tikka Masala

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Chicken Tikka Masala

The best homemade Chicken Tikka Masala recipe like you get at your favorite Indian restaurant! With tender, juicy pieces of charred chicken, swimming in an unbelievable luscious, flavor-packed creamy tomato sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Marinate15

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: chicken tikka masala, Chicken Tikka Masala recipe

Servings:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 & 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (not cayenne pepper)
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
1 & 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast , cut into small bite-sized pieces

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 large sweet onion , finely diced
2 teaspoons grated ginger
2 cloves garlic , finely minced
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
8 ounce can tomato sauce (unseasoned)
1 & 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup 1/4 cup water , only if needed

For Serving

chopped cilantro , for garnish
naan bread
cooked basmati rice

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade; add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 1 hour (ideally overnight in the fridge, if time permits.)
Warm oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken pieces in batches, if necessary, making sure not to crowd the pan. Let them fry, untouched, for 1 minute to develop a crust, then saute until browned for about 5 more minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
Melt the butter in the same pan. Saute the onions until soft (about 3 minutes) while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. Add ginger and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add in the brown sugar, coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Stir occasionally for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the tomato sauce; let simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and becomes deeper in color.
Stir in the cream until incorporated.
Add the partially cooked chicken along with its juices back to the pan; cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling. Pour in the water to thin out the sauce, only if necessary.
Serve over cooked basmati rice, with Naan bread, and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Video

Notes

Chicken breast vs. Chicken thighs. Thigh meat is more tender and usually more flavorful, but it tends to be fattier and higher in calories. Chicken breasts are leaner and require a longer marinating time. It's totally personal preference. The dish will turn out great with either.

Want it spicy? You can add in some cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes.

Yogurt. I always use Greek yogurt, but plain yogurt works well too. I don't like sour cream in this dish, but others have said it works as an ok substitute.

Nutrition