If you love rich, comforting meals packed with flavor, chicken tikka masala is a must-try. With tender chicken, a creamy spiced sauce, and bold aromas filling your kitchen, it’s one of those dishes that feels like home from the very first bite.
Why We Love Chicken Tikka Masala
What makes this dish unforgettable? It’s the way each bite delivers layers of flavor:
- Smoky, spice-rubbed chicken pieces grilled or seared to perfection.
- Rich, velvety sauce infused with tomato, cream, and a medley of traditional Indian spices.
- A perfectly balanced profile—slightly tangy, mildly spicy, and completely comforting.
Family-Friendly and Customizable
Chicken tikka masala doesn’t just cater to one palate. It’s:
- Mild enough for kids, yet easy to turn up the heat.
- Flexible for dietary needs (like dairy-free or low-carb).
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts – The star protein of this chicken tikka masala recipe. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, while breasts can be used for a leaner option. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
Plain yogurt – Essential for marinating the chicken tikka masala. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices stick well. Use full-fat yogurt for the best creamy texture.
Garam masala – A key spice blend that defines the rich flavor of chicken tikka masala. It’s important to use authentic garam masala to get that signature warm and aromatic taste.
Turmeric – Adds the beautiful golden color and subtle earthiness to the chicken tikka masala. Use the exact amount to avoid overpowering bitterness.
Cumin – Provides a nutty, warming flavor that balances the spice blend in chicken tikka masala perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—the longer, the better (overnight yields best flavor).
Cook the Chicken
Choose your method:
- Grill: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill until charred and cooked through.
- Oven: Broil on a baking sheet lined with foil for a similar charred effect.
- Stovetop: Sear in a hot skillet with a little oil until browned.
Set aside the cooked chicken.
Prepare the Sauce
- Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until golden.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Add all dry spices and toast for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the cream, return the chicken to the pan, and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and tenderness.
- Char the chicken well to mimic the authentic tandoori flavor.
- Simmer the sauce low and slow for a deeper, richer taste.
- Add cream gradually to avoid curdling.
- Use fresh spices when possible—they make all the difference.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Paneer Tikka Masala: Swap chicken for cubes of paneer for a vegetarian twist.
- Tofu Version: Perfect for plant-based diets, marinate and grill tofu just like the chicken.
- Coconut Milk: Use instead of cream for a dairy-free and subtly sweet version.
- Spicy Masala: Add extra chili powder or diced green chilies if you prefer more heat.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Tikka Masala
Your chicken tikka masala deserves equally delicious sides:
- Basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice for a fragrant base.
- Garlic naan, paratha, or chapati to scoop up every drop.
- Cucumber raita or mint chutney to cool things down.
- Pickled onions or a crisp salad to add brightness.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
FAQs About Chicken Tikka Masala
What is chicken tikka masala made of?
It features marinated chicken chunks cooked in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. The marinade includes yogurt and spices like turmeric and garam masala, while the sauce combines tomatoes, cream, and aromatics.
Is chicken tikka masala spicy?
Not by default. You control the heat. Add chili powder or fresh chilies if you like it hot, or skip them for a milder dish.
Can I make chicken tikka masala without cream?
Yes, you can use coconut milk, cashew cream, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free option.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least one hour is recommended, but for maximum flavor, go for 8 hours or overnight.
What’s the difference between chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala?
Chicken tikka is the grilled meat itself. Chicken tikka masala includes a flavorful curry sauce in which the grilled chicken is simmered.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Equipment
- Grill or Skillet
- Deep Pan
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Masala Sauce
- 2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1.5 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder optional
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- salt to taste
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Cook the chicken by your choice: grill skewers until charred and cooked through, broil in the oven for a similar effect, or sear in a hot skillet with oil. Set aside.
- Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground spices and toast for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in cream, return chicken to the pan, and simmer together for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.