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Chicken Tikka Masala in a bowl with rice and a side of yogurt dip and naan bread
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4.96 from 50 votes

Chicken Tikka Masala

This Chicken Tikka Masala is one of our favorite Indian dishes of all time. Tender chicken in a creamy tomato sauce is so easy to make at home. A must try!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Marinating time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Chicken Tikka Masala
Servings: 6
Calories: 264kcal
Author: Emily Walker

Ingredients

Marinade:

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
  • 5 wooden skewers

Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Optional Sides:

Instructions

For the Marinade

  • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, garam masala, cayenne, pepper, ginger, and salt. Stir in chicken, cover, refrigerate 1 hour. 
    Chicken marinating in yogurt and spices for Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Preheat a grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.
    Uncooked chicken on skewers being prepared to grill.
  • Grill chicken skewers 5 minutes on each side.
    Chicken skewers cooking on grill.

For the Sauce

  • Melt butter in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Saute garlic for 1 minute. 
    Garlic cooking in a pan with butter
  • Season with cumin, paprika, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on medium low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes.
    Cream being stirred into spices
  • Add grilled chicken to the sauce, and simmer for 5 more minutes.
    Cooked Chicken Tikka Masala in a large skillet sprinkled with cilantro
  • Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with rice, naan bread, and cucumber yogurt.
    Chicken Tikka Masala in 2 bowls with rice

Video

Notes

  • I am not a fan of onions, so I didn't include them in this recipe. However, you can add a diced yellow onion and saute it with the garlic. 
  • Want Chicken Tikka Masala on the table quicker? Try our Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala recipe. 
  • For a more authentic taste, use a can of full fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. 

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 1093mg | Potassium: 469mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1335IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1.7mg