Name: Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional); 2 tbsp butter or oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1.5 cups tomato puree; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Short Description

Chicken Tikka Masala is a creamy, spiced, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based curry sauce. This homemade version delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful – The perfect blend of spices and creamy tomato sauce.
Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients and homemade seasoning make all the difference.
Customizable – Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Family Favorite – A crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with rice or naan.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

chicken breast or thighs
greek yogurt
lemon juice
garlic
ginger
cumin
coriander
paprika
turmeric
garam masala
salt
black pepper
red chili powder (optional)

For the Masala Sauce:

butter or oil
onion
garlic
ginger
tomato puree
heavy cream or coconut milk
cumin
coriander
garam masala
paprika
turmeric
salt
sugar (optional)
fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

Marinate the Chicken – Mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices in a bowl. Coat the chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Cook the Chicken – Grill, broil, or pan-fry the marinated chicken until charred and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Masala Sauce – In a pan, heat butter or oil, then sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft.
Add Spices and Tomatoes – Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, and turmeric. Add tomato puree and simmer until thickened.
Finish with Cream – Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture.
Combine and Simmer – Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Variations

Healthier Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Spicier – Increase red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
Dairy-Free – Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.
Grill Alternative – Bake the chicken in the oven instead of grilling.
Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tikka masala sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce has a fresher, richer flavor.

What’s the best chicken cut for tikka masala?

Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors develop even more when made in advance.

How do I get a smoky flavor?

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky taste, or you can use smoked paprika.

What’s the best side dish for tikka masala?

Basmati rice, naan, or roti are excellent choices.

Can I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit red chili powder and use mild paprika.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I cook the chicken in the sauce instead of grilling?

Yes, but grilling adds extra depth of flavor.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?

Tikka masala has more complex spices, while butter chicken is milder and creamier.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of puree?

Yes, but blend them for a smoother texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of rich, bold flavors. Whether served with rice or naan, it’s a must-try recipe for any curry lover. Enjoy making this restaurant-quality meal at home!

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