Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe: Creamy and Spiced
Classic Chicken Tikka Masala with creamy, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
Tikka Masala Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: Cilantro cream
- Suggested Pairings: Basmati rice mango lassi
Instructions
- Mix yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Marinate chicken for 1 hour.
- Cook chicken in 1 tbsp oil for 5–6 minutes; set aside.
- Sauté onion in 1 tbsp oil for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and spices; cook for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust the sauce.
- Return chicken, add cream, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Serve in a white ceramic bowl with cilantro, cream, rice, and lassi.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Try vegetarian or coconut variations.
- Pair with naan.