This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings the taste of authentic Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Tender chicken marinated in spices and yogurt is cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, creating the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors. This easy chicken tikka masala recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and can be served with basmati rice, naan bread, or your favorite side. With spices like garam masala, cumin, and paprika, this Indian chicken curry offers a restaurant-quality dish that’s much better than takeout. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this versatile recipe is customizable to suit your taste. Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- 20 oz tomato puree
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix until the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Stir for 1 minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the tomato puree, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine. Pour in the heavy cream, sugar, and water, mixing until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Adjust seasoning with salt or chili powder if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over steamed rice and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is better than takeout, featuring tender, flavorful chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce. The combination of garam masala, cumin, and fresh ginger delivers authentic Indian flavors, while the heavy cream and butter create a luscious, comforting sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish rivals any restaurant version!
Tips
- Marinate longer: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use bone-in chicken: For extra flavor, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, though boneless thighs cook faster and are easier to eat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with cauliflower or paneer for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free alternative.
- Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have tomato puree, you can use canned tomato sauce, but make sure to cook it longer to reduce the liquid.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Chicken Tikka Masala stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in this dish.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: To increase the heat, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped fresh green chilies to the sauce.
Serving and Suggestions
- Serve with Rice: Serve this Chicken Tikka Masala with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Add a Side: Pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt for extra flavor and creaminess.
This Chicken Tikka Masala is a perfect weeknight dinner that brings all the rich flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home. Enjoy!
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