Chicken Tikka Masala in 4 easy steps
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This chicken tikka masala recipe is made in 4 easy steps and is absolutely delicious. Tender and flavorful chicken swims around in a creamy curry sauce that tastes similar to butter chicken. You'll love it!
Also, try our paneer butter masala and our chili paneer!
How to make chicken tikka masala
Making chicken tikka masala might sound complicated, but we've found a way to prepare this classic in just 4 easy steps.
- Mix the spices. To make things simple, we mix the spices all at once, rather than adding different amounts to both the chicken and the sauce. It's a real time-saver.
- Marinate the chicken. We use boneless thighs, which are naturally tender and flavorful so that they only need to be marinated for a short time.
- Make the sauce. This step involves little more than sauteeing some onions and opening a can of tomato sauce.
- Broil the chicken. Chicken tikka masala is usually made with grilled chicken. To keep the recipe easy to make, we broil the chicken. You'll get delicious charred bits that mimic chicken on the BBQ.
Then all you have to do it is mix the chicken into the sauce. So easy!
Is this an easy chicken masala recipe
Yes! None of the steps are difficult. It will take you about 50 minutes to make this recipe. If you'd like to make it a bit faster, you can broil the chicken while you cook the sauce. Skipping the marinating part means that the chicken may not be as flavorful, but it will still be very tasty.
Is chicken tikka masala healthy?
We think so! Chicken, yogurt, onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes are all very healthy and make up the bulk of this recipe. There is a little cream in here, but we only add a half a cup ā or 2 tablespoons per serving. Ringing in at only 347 calories, this curry is a healthy option.
How long does chicken masala last?
This recipe will last for 3 days in your fridge. It's even tastier the day after you make it so it is an awesome recipe for meal prep.
Will this recipe freeze well?
Yes! Chicken tikka masala freezes very well. Cool it completely then store it in your freezer for up to three months. WeĀ love these big reusable Stasher freezer bagsĀ for freezing soup, chili, and curries.
What to serve with chicken tikka masala
Steamed basmati rice and some warm naan is a classic combo. We will often serve ours over cauliflower riceĀ for a lighter dinner.
For a veggie side, we like our best roasted broccoli or some tandoori cauliflower. Both are delicious and go excellent with this curry.
Check out our video for how to make this chicken masala recipe
Favorite Indian Curry Recipes
Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Ingredients
The Spices
- 4 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
Chicken Tikka
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Ā½ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
The Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion (finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 14 ounce can tomato sauce
- Ā½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a small bowl.4 teaspoons garam masala, 2 teaspoons turmeric, 2 teaspoons coriander, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons salt
- Place the chicken in a medium-sized bowl and add the yogurt, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the spice mix. Mix well then place into your fridge to marinate.1 lb boneless chicken thighs, Ā½ cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook until the onion is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the honey, tomato paste, and the remaining spice mix and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cream. Note: add up to 1 cup of water to thin the sauce, if needed.1 tablespoon oil, 1 large onion, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons honey, 14 ounce can tomato sauce, Ā½ cup heavy cream
- Preheat your oven to broil. Transfer the marinating chicken to a baking sheet and spread them out. Broil (with the rack in the middle of the oven) for 12 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are cooked through.
- Add the chicken pieces and any of the tasty charred bits on the pan to the sauce. Serve with a little cilantro sprinkled over the top.
Video
Notes
SERVE WITH SOME STEAMED BASMATI RICE AND THE BEST ROASTED BROCCOLI
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our curry recipes!
