Craving something rich, spicy, and unforgettable? 🍛 This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings the authentic flavors of India right to your kitchen. Marinated in spiced yogurt and simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, this dish is a restaurant-style classic that’s perfect for dinner nights when you want to impress!
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dish
Chicken Tikka Masala is not just a meal — it’s an experience.
✔️ Bold flavors from aromatic spices
✔️ Creamy, tangy sauce that clings to every bite
✔️ Perfect with naan or basmati rice
✔️ Surprisingly doable at home — even if you’re new to Indian cooking!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
For the Masala Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1½ teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
🍴
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and mix well. Add chicken pieces and coat them evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for deeper flavor).
This step infuses the chicken with deep flavor — don’t skip it! 🔥
2. Grill or Sear the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook marinated chicken pieces until charred and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side).
Set aside — you’ll finish them in the sauce.
That smokey char is key to the dish’s signature taste! 🍗
3. Make the Masala Sauce
In a large pan, heat oil or ghee.
Add chopped onion and sauté until golden. Stir in garlic, ginger, and spices.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, simmer for 10 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavors.
Then, stir in the cream and let it simmer another 5 minutes.
Your kitchen will smell AMAZING right now! 🧄
4. Finish the Dish
Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan.
The sauce clings perfectly to the chicken — every bite is magic. 🌶️
📝 Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- For more heat, add extra chili powder or a chopped green chili.
- For dairy-free, swap yogurt for coconut yogurt and cream for coconut cream.
🧂 What to Serve With Chicken Tikka Masala
- Naan bread — for scooping up every last drop of sauce
- Steamed basmati rice — light and fluffy, it’s the perfect base
- Cucumber raita — a cooling yogurt dip to balance the heat
📈Keywords
Primary Keyword: Chicken Tikka Masala
Long-tail Keywords: Indian chicken curry recipe, how to make chicken tikka masala at home, authentic Indian dinner ideas, creamy tikka masala sauce
✅ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re already obsessed with Indian food or trying it for the first time, this homemade Chicken Tikka Masala will hit all the right notes.
It’s comforting, flavorful, and tastes like it came from a high-end Indian restaurant — only YOU made it! 🍽️