Chicken Tikka Masala - easy cooking recipe

"Create restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala at home—juicy marinated chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato gravy. A bold and comforting Indian classic."

Chicken Tikka Masala is not just a curry—it’s a masterpiece of food aroma. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a blend of warm spices like garam masala, cumin, and paprika. This marinade infuses the meat with deep flavour while keeping it juicy. The sauce? A rich, velvety mix of tomatoes, cream, and aromatic spices that creates the perfect balance of heat, tang, and indulgence.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 Kg. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1–2-inch cubes shape.
• Half cup plain yogurt
• Half fresh lemon juice / one tablespoon
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon olive or mustard oil
• 1 medium red onion chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic & 2-inch ginger paste
• 2 fresh crushed tomatoes / can- tomato puree

• 

  Chicken cubes

  5 teaspoon heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

For the Masala Sauce:

• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-inch ginger, grated
• 2 fresh crushed tomatoes or canned tomato puree
• 5 tsp heavy cream
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

How to prepare:

1. In a large bowl, marinate the chicken cubes and add yogurt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes salt, black pepper and juice of lemon leave it at least for 20 minutes or up to overnight in freeze.
2. Heat the oil in a large pan/ iron Kadai over medium to high heat, later add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides (make sure it’s not burned).
3. Remove the ready chicken and set it aside.
4. In the same pan add the chopped onion, garlic and ginger and cooked until softened or brown.
5. In the next step stir the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, cilantro. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Mix the cooked chicken to the sauce or gravy and simmer for a few minutes more to left the aroma meld.
7. Now you can serve with rice or naan bread. 

The sauce is the soul of Chicken Tikka Masala, bringing warmth, depth, and irresistible flavour to every bite. To make it even more vibrant, here’s an additional recipe that takes the richness and complexity of the dish to the next level.

Additional Rich and Flavourful Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce:

Prepare the Base: Heat the ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Infuse the Spices: Add cumin, salt, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric to the skillet. Stir well and let the spices bloom for about 2 minutes, releasing their aroma.

Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Chicken Tikka Masala Sauce with authentic flavour

Create a Creamy Texture: Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, and paprika, mixing thoroughly. Return the sauce to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10–15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken: In a separate skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and curry powder, stirring frequently. Sear the chicken until lightly browned but still tender inside, about 3 minutes.

Combine & Serve: Add the cooked chicken into the sauce, stir to coat, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavours. Serve warm with basmati rice or naan for a perfect meal.

"Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish featuring tender, yogurt-marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices and cream. It’s bold, comforting, and perfect with naan or basmati rice."

 

Chicken Tikka Masala Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

*(Approximate values for 1 cup/250g serving)*

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350-400	18%
Protein	25-30g	50%
Total Fat	20-25g	30%
Saturated Fat	8-10g	45%
Carbs	15-20g	5%
Fiber	2-3g	10%
Sugar	5-8g	–
Sodium	800-1000 mg	35%