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Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Description

Chicken Tikka Masala is a flavorful South Asian dish with tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, then simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce. This dish is a blend of cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, finished with a touch of cream for a creamy and savory flavor. Itโ€™s a comforting, bold, and delicious dish thatโ€™s perfect for a hearty meal!


Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 3 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)

  • 1/2 lemon (juice)

  • 3 tbsp yogurt

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust for heat)

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • 1/4 tsp turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp minced ginger

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

Curry

 

  • 2-3 tbsp ghee

  • 1 red onion (chopped)

  • 1/2 tsp minced ginger

  • 2 tsp minced garlic

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

  • 1/4 tsp turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (or more to taste)

  • 1.5 cups passata

  • 4 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1.5 cups water

  • 1-2 cinnamon sticks

  • Salt (to taste)

  • 1/2 tsp tandoori masala

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (more to taste)

  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Grind 2 tsp of coriander seeds using a mortar and pestle (optional, for fresh flavor).

  • Cut the chicken breasts into cubes and marinate them with lemon juice, yogurt, ground coriander, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, salt, ginger paste, and minced garlic. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 1 hour).

  • Heat ghee in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and slightly charred. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

  • In the same pan, add more ghee and sautรฉ the chopped red onion for 2โ€“3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for 1 more minute. Add garam masala, ground coriander, paprika, red chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for about 30โ€“60 seconds.

  • Stir in passata and tomato paste, then add water, cinnamon sticks, salt, and tandoori masala. Simmer for 2โ€“3 minutes.

  • Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, cover, and simmer on medium-low heat for 15โ€“20 minutes.

  • Stir in heavy cream and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

 

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and drizzle with extra cream if desired.


Notes

  • Serve with rice, naan, or flatbreads for a complete meal.

  • If you want a spicier version, add more chili powder or fresh green chilies.

 

  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg