What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making Chicken Tikka Masala at home brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, and it’s easier than you think. The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds.
Bold flavors come together with simple ingredients, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet doable. You’ll love how customizable it is—adjust the spice to your liking and pair it with rice or naan. Plus, cooking from scratch means you know exactly what’s in it, making it a healthier option than takeout.
Recipe
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish featuring tender, marinated chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This recipe offers a homemade version that brings the authentic flavors of the restaurant into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces (reserve marinade) and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add reserved marinade and tomato puree, stirring to combine. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Stir in heavy cream and sugar. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes:
- Adjust spices to taste. For a spicier version, add a chopped green chili or red chili flakes.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt if desired.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or pan
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Cuisine:
Indian
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
1 serving of homemade Chicken Tikka Masala provides a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
What To Serve With It
Wondering what to pair with your homemade chicken tikka masala? I love serving it with fluffy basmati rice or warm garlic naan to soak up all that delicious sauce. For drinks, a crisp lager or a cooling mango lassi balances the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
When I’m whipping up a flavorful chicken tikka masala, I always think about what side dishes will complement it best. My go-to is fluffy basmati rice—it soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll swap it for garlic naan, which I love tearing and scooping with. A fresh cucumber raita adds a cool, tangy contrast, and a quick salad of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brightens the meal. If I’m feeling extra, I’ll roast some cauliflower or spinach with spices for a veggie boost. These sides keep things balanced, letting the tikka masala shine while adding layers of flavor.
Beverage Pairings
Since chicken tikka masala has such rich, bold flavors, I always think carefully about what drinks pair well with it. I love serving a crisp, cold lassi—either sweet mango or salty—to balance the spices. A cold beer, like a lager or IPA, also works wonders, cutting through the creaminess with its invigorating bite. If you’re into wine, a slightly sweet Riesling or a light Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, ginger beer or iced mint tea is my go-to. Each sip enhances the meal, making every bite even more satisfying. Cheers to that!
