Description
This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe delivers vibrant Indian flavors with tender marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines rich spices, creamy textures, and comforting warmth, creating an authentic yet simple dish ideal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for marinade)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 400g tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with yogurt, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more tender and flavorful meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat cooking oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and sauté until browned on all sides and almost cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onions, and cook until softened and golden, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add garam masala, ground cumin, and chili powder; stir well to coat spices with the onion mixture. Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the pan with the simmering sauce. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has a rich, creamy texture.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the curry and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your choice of basmati rice, naan bread, or roasted vegetables, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer (up to overnight) for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Use freshly ground spices for more intense and aromatic flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently to avoid burning and deepen the flavor profile.
- For a healthier alternative, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt added at the end of cooking.
- Letting the dish rest before serving allows flavors to integrate fully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg