If you’ve ever craved the rich, aromatic delights of Indian cuisine, get ready for a mouthwatering treat. This chicken Tikka Masala recipe is made entirely from scratch. Tender, lightly charred chicken is smothered in a creamy tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or new to Indian cooking, this Easy Chicken Tikka Recipe will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
Why This Recipe is a “MUST-TRY”
- Packed with rich, aromatic flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
- Creamy Dreamy Sauce. Imagine a sauce with heavy cream, tomatoes, and spices that’s bursting with flavor and depth – yep, that’s what we’ve got here!
- Easy-Peasy Indian Recipe. Perfect for folks just starting their Indian cuisine adventure, no sweat involved.
- Mix and Match. Goes like a charm with your fave rice or whatever sides you’re in the mood for, creating a full-on meal.
Indian-Style Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
I’ve been making this Indian chicken tikka recipe for years, and it’s never failed to impress. The sauce is thick, rich, and full of authentic Indian flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Plus, it’s so simple to make – just four easy steps and you’re done.
So why settle for boring old takeout when you can make something truly special at home?
Give it a try tonight and see for yourself!
It tastes best served with a side of steamed basmati rice or cumin rice.
If you want to make an authentic Indian chicken tikka recipe, make sure to check out this chicken tikka masala recipe. I am sure you’ll love it, too.
What Is Chicken Tikka Masala?
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian dish made with succulent, marinated pieces of grilled or roasted chicken immersed in a rich and creamy tomato-based curry sauce.
The curry is easy to make with just a handful of regular Indian spices. The big question on your mind might be, “Can you really whip up restaurant-level chicken tikka masala in your own kitchen?” Well, the answer is a resounding yes!
And guess what? I speak from experience – I’m Indian, and I’ve been cooking since I was 15 years old.
Don’t be intimidated by Indian cuisine; making it at home is a breeze. All you need are some essential spices often found in Indian cooking and you’re good to go.
Ingredients For Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs.
- Yogurt or Curd: Any plain yogurt variety will do; just ensure it’s plain and not flavored.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
- Garam Masala: This is the quintessential spice blend for any Indian recipe, readily available in most grocery stores or you can also make it at home with my easy homemade garam masala recipe.
- Aromatics: fresh ginger and garlic for their aromatic depth.
- Salt: Remember to season each layer of this dish for a well-balanced flavor profile!
Chicken Tikka Curry Sauce
- Oil: I used olive oil, used for sauteing
- Aromatics: You’ll need onions, garlic, and ginger to infuse aromatic depth into the sauce.
- Spices: garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, and chili powder – the combination of these spices builds incredible flavor in this dish.
- Tomato Sauce: Alternatively, you can use passata or blend diced or whole tomatoes until they are smooth.
- Cream: I used Half and half, but any type of cream will do the job. Using heavy cream in chicken tikka masala will make the sauce deliciously rich and creamy.
- Butter: Go for unsalted butter to have control over the sodium content.
- Diced Tomatoes: I have used regular diced tomatoes, but to add extra flavor you can also use canned roasted tomatoes.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Prepare And Marinate The Chicken For Tikka
- First, you’ll need to pat dry the chicken breast to remove excess moisture and cut them roughly into 1-inch pieces.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl along with all the other tikka masala ingredients, and gently toss until the pieces are coated nicely.
- Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cook The Chicken
Method 1: Stovetop Cooking
Start by heating a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Cook the chicken in batches, undisturbed until each piece develops a delightful golden-brown exterior. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and beautifully browned, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Method 2: Grilling
Alternatively, if you prefer the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, preheat either an outdoor or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill the chicken for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is fully cooked and boasts a slightly charred appearance.
Cook The Chicken Tikka Curry Sauce
- In a large skillet or pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, cinnamon, and cardamom. Sauté the spices for a couple of minutes until aromatic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
- Add the cooked chicken to the simmering curry sauce, allowing it to soak up the flavors for a few minutes. Season with salt if required.
Serve the Chicken Tikka Masala over steamed basmati rice or with naan bread.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving with a wedge of lemon. Enjoy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka:
- Marination Magic: Don’t rush the marination process. Ideally, let it soak up those delicious flavors for at least an hour. This helps the flavors soak in deep, making your chicken extra juicy and bursting with flavor.
- Smokey Char: If you crave that smoky, authentic tandoor flavor, consider grilling your marinated chicken on a charcoal grill for a smokier profile before adding it to the sauce. It takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Reddish Hue Secret: The awesome reddish hue in my chicken tikka masala? Well, it’s all thanks to the magic of deggi mirch powder, or you can go with Kashmiri lal mirch powder, the usual spice in our everyday Indian curries. Think of it as paprika’s bolder cousin, giving your dish that legit Indian restaurant-style vibe in both taste and looks. If you love cooking Indian dishes like Indian Lentil Curry, Chickpea Spinach Curry, or chickpea tikka masala, I highly recommend having a box of deggi mirch powder on hand.
- Flexible Diet Options: You can make this chicken recipe easily adapt to different dietary needs. It’s naturally low in carbs, and if necessary, you can make it dairy-free, Whole30, or paleo. Check the recipe card below for alternative ingredients tailored to specific diets.
A Few More Indian Chicken Recipes
- Butter Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Masala
- Indian Chicken Curry
- Chicken Kadhai
- Chicken Bhuna Masala