Description
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. The perfect balance of spice and creaminess makes this dish a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter or ghee
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best flavor).
- Heat butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and let the dish simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder, or use fresh green chilies for extra heat.
Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
For a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
To make it leaner, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
