Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, known for its rich, creamy sauce and bold, aromatic flavors. The dish features tender chunks of marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, creating a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Served with basmati rice or naan bread, Chicken Tikka Masala is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and hearty. Whether you’re a fan of Indian food or new to the cuisine, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and luxurious, creamy texture.
The key to a great Chicken Tikka Masala lies in the marinated chicken. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a deep, aromatic flavor. The chicken is then grilled or baked, which gives it a smoky flavor before being added to the creamy, spiced sauce.
The sauce itself is the heart of Chicken Tikka Masala. Made with a base of tomatoes, onions, and garlic, it’s simmered with a variety of spices, including cumin, paprika, and garam masala, to create a rich, flavorful foundation. Cream or coconut milk is then added to the sauce to give it a silky, smooth texture, which balances out the spiciness and enhances the dish’s richness. The combination of spices and cream creates a sauce that is both fragrant and comforting.
Chicken Tikka Masala can be served with a variety of sides. Traditional options include steamed basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly, or freshly baked naan bread for dipping. You can also add a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For those looking for a spicier kick, a few chopped chilies can be added to the sauce to heat things up.
This dish is highly versatile and can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a great choice for family dinners, special occasions, or casual gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your journey into Indian cuisine, Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that is sure to delight with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Yogurt For marination
- 1 tbsp lemon juice For marination
- 2 tsp garam masala For marination
- 1 tsp turmeric For marination
- 2 tsp ground cumin For marination
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Boneless, skinless, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp butter For sauce
- 1 onion large Finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 tbsp ginger Minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin For sauce
- 1 tsp paprika For sauce
- 1 tsp ground coriander For sauce
- 1 cup Tomato sauce For sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream For sauce
- Salt salt For sauce, to taste
- Cilantro cilantro Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, and ground cumin. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened.
- Add garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, and ground coriander. Cook until fragrant.
- Pour tomato sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken into the sauce. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice.
Nutrition
Followed the recipe but added too much salt. Oops 😅 but still tasty!
Yessssss! The flavors medley so well together. Made it for my family and they loved it!
Tika Masala? More like Chicken Mess-ala! It was a disaster in my kitchen. Never again.
Really good but took longer than 20 mins in the sauce. Chicken was still pink!
This recipe is amazing! The chicken turned so tender and flavorful. I’ll definitely make it again.
This recipe was amazing! My family loved it!
I totally agree! This dish is like a party in your mouth! 🎉
I don’t know… the yogurt made it too tangy for me. Can I skip it?
Tastes good, but why so much cream? Isn’t it too rich? 🍽️
This is the best Chicken Tikka Masala I’ve ever made! So creamy and full of flavor. Will definitely make again!
I don’t think it’s that great. Mine turned out too spicy and creamy. Maybe I did something wrong?
I’ve tried many recipes, but this one really nails it! Thanks for sharing. 🔥
Did you really put heavy cream? That’s not how we do it in India! Just saying.
Yummy! I added some peas for a pop of color. Will make again!
Adding peas sounds like a great idea! I love when people get creative with recipes. Did you use fresh or frozen peas?
I can never seem to get the sauce right. My grandma used to make it better. This recipe just ain’t it.
It turned out to be way too spicy for my kids. Add less garam masala next time.
Easy to follow but the chicken was a bit dry after cooking. Next time I’ll let it marinate longer!
Dry chicken? Nah, mine turned out fine. Maybe you overcooked it?
I totally get you! Marinating seems to always help, right? Try adding some coconut milk next time, too!
Too many ingredients! I like simple things, maybe I’ll try it without the yogurt.
I get it, too much fuss for some! But yogurt adds creaminess. Maybe just skip it this time!
Lmao, yogurt is what makes it tikka masala! Good luck if you skip it, lol.
Yummy! But I used curry paste instead of all those spices and it still turned out good. Quick n easy!
But isn’t using all the spices kinda the point? Idk seems like cheating to me.
I bet the curry paste gave it a nice kick! Sometimes shortcuts work out better than expected.
How many people does this serve? I made it for 4 but wish I doubled it!
This is not authentic chicken tikka masala. You gotta use tandoori chicken! What a mess.
I think it sounds delicious, but I get what you’re saying about the tandoori chicken. Still, this recipe looks good to me!
Naw, this recipe is perfectly fine! Authenticity is whatever; I just wanna eat something tasty. Control yourself, buddy.
Great flavors! Used coconut milk instead of heavy cream, turned out super creamy! Will def make again.
Tasted amazing! Never thought I could make something so good at home. Thanks!
I don’t get why people rave about this. Mine turned out too spicy and the chicken was dry. Not for me.
Yummy! My kids loved it! I added some veggies too. Will share with my friends.
Honestly, this was kinda dry. I think I overcooked the chicken or something. Need to figure that out.
Perfect recipe! I switched chicken for tofu, and it worked great!
That’s awesome! Tofu is a great substitute. I usually use chickpeas instead of chicken, works well too!
Tofu? Really? I don’t think it’ll taste nearly as good as chicken. But I guess some people just prefer vegetarian options.
This is the best chicken tikka masala recipe I’ve ever tried! It was a hit at my dinner party. 5 stars!
Is heavy cream really necessary? Seems too fatty, I probs will use coconut milk instead.
Yummy! I added a bit of chili flakes for some extra heat 😋
That sounds great! Chili flakes are always a good idea! 😍
I no like this tikka masala. It don’t taste like the one from the restaurant.👎