Print

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Print Recipe

This Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with authentic Indian spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and zest. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is flavorful, comforting, and customizable to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Pinch of salt

Masala Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste (remaining)
  • 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Additional lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, half the garlic and ginger paste, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse the flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly charred and just cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to lock in juices and develop smoky notes.
  3. Prepare the Masala Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining garlic and ginger paste and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the tomato puree, then stir in chili powder, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and spices to meld.
  4. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently for another 5 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish, add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve hot for the best aroma and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.
  • Do not skip marinating as it tenderizes the chicken and enhances taste.
  • Simmer sauce gently on low heat to prevent splitting.
  • Reserve extra sauce to serve over rice or naan.
  • Adjust cream quantity to soften spice or alter texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Tikka Masala, Indian Chicken Curry, Quick Indian Recipes, Gluten Free Indian Food, Creamy Chicken Curry

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/easy-chicken-tikka-masala-recipe/