A popular Indian dish made from juicy grilled chicken in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce, this chicken tikka masala will become a family favorite.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time45 minutesmins
Marinating Time6 hourshrs
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Chicken Tikka Masala
Servings: 4
Calories: 329kcal
Ingredients
For the chicken tikka
2boneless chicken breasts or 3 boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
3tablespoonslemon juice
1teaspoonsalt
1tablespoonminced ginger
1tablespoonminced garlic
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspoonpaprika powder
½-1Red Kashmiri red chili powder or cayenne pepper
⅓cupheavy cream
½teaspoongaram masala
For the masala:
4tablespoonscooking oil
1medium brown onionfinely sliced
1tablespoonminced ginger
2tablespoonsminced garlic
1tablespooncoriander powder
½teaspoonturmeric powder
¾teaspoonKashmiri red chili powder
2teaspoonspaprika powder
6tablespoonsof natural yogurt
2medium tomatoeschopped
12fluid ounceschicken broth
¼teaspoonsalt
½teaspoongaram masala
A handful of chopped fresh cilantro
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
For the chicken tikka
Place the prepared chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice and salt and rub them well. Use a skewer or a fork to pierce the meat as you mix the seasoning. Set it aside for about 20 minutes.
Add minced ginger, garlic, ground cumin, paprika powder, chili powder, heavy cream and garam masala. Mix well until all the chicken pieces are covered with spices and cream. Cover the bowl and leave it in the refrigerator for at least six hours. The longer, the better for the spices to develop in the meat.
When ready to cook, put the meat on skewers and place them on a baking tray. Cook the chicken tikka in a grilled oven, ordinary oven, air fryer, or instant pot at 350°F/ 180°C. It takes approximately 12-15 minutes to grill the chicken, or it is cooked through and lightly browned.
For the masala:
Heat the oil on a lidded pan at medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the onion slices until golden brown.
Add the ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for about a minute until they release aroma.
Add coriander, turmeric, chili, and paprika powder. Stir fry for about 15 seconds before adding one tablespoon of plain yogurt.
Keep frying until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process of adding one tablespoon of yogurt until all yogurt is finished.
Chop two medium tomatoes and put them into the spices mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes turn soft and pulpy. Try mashing them with the back of a wooden spoon.
Then, add the chicken stock and salt to the mixture. Continue cooking at low heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce is thick.
Lastly, stir in the garam masala and check the flavors. Add more salt if needed.
Notes
Single cream can be used to replace heavy cream.
Kashmiri red chili powder gives a more vibrant color to the dish and has more flavor in its spiciness. You can substitute it with cayenne pepper powder if you don't have it.
If you like, you can omit the chicken stock and use water to replace it.
Increase the salt if your chicken stock is unsalted. Do a taste check to ensure the saltiness is according to your liking.