There’s nothing quite like the comfort of Chicken Tikka Masala tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s equal parts cozy and crave-worthy. The first time I made it at home, I was shocked by how easy it was to recreate those restaurant flavors without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. A few spices, a quick marinade, and a silky sauce were all it took to make dinner feel special.
Now, this dish is a regular on our dinner table — right next to my Chicken Curry Recipe and One-Pan Chicken Gallaba Skillet. It’s warm, aromatic, and packed with flavor, making it one of those meals that instantly wins over everyone at the table.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil. Sear the marinated chicken until lightly charred and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter or ghee. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic, ginger, and spices, and stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in cream and water.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken absorbs all the flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan bread.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Chicken Tikka Masala
This Chicken Tikka Masala recipe captures everything you love about the restaurant version — juicy, marinated chicken pieces coated in a creamy tomato sauce that’s rich with spices and depth. It’s comforting but not heavy, flavorful but balanced, and simple enough to make on a weeknight.
If you love dishes that bring bold flavor with minimal effort, you’ll want to add this to your rotation alongside favorites like my Marry Me Chicken Soup or Cajun Potato Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
If you like creamy, flavor-packed dishes like my Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup or Chicken Enchilada Soup, this tikka masala will fit right in.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil. Sear the marinated chicken until lightly charred and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, melt butter or ghee. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden. Add garlic, ginger, and spices, and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in cream and water.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken absorbs all the flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan bread.
This easy stovetop method is just as simple as my Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake — quick, wholesome, and bursting with flavor.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka Masala
- Marinate longer: Overnight marination deepens the flavor and tenderness.
- Char the chicken: A little sear adds smoky flavor like traditional tandoor cooking.
- Use full-fat cream: It gives that signature rich texture.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer to thicken and meld flavors.
These same slow-cooking secrets make my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup taste so satisfying — time and patience bring out depth.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
If you love make-ahead meals, this one reheats as beautifully as my Kielbasa Potato Soup.
Flavor Variations
- Coconut Tikka Masala: Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Spicy Tikka: Add extra chili powder or sliced fresh chilies.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Like my Buffalo Chicken Bowls, this recipe is flexible — make it your own with small tweaks and variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between Chicken Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is milder and creamier, while Tikka Masala has a spicier, tangier tomato base.
2. Can I make Chicken Tikka Masala dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and plant-based yogurt for the marinade.
3. Do I need a grill or tandoor for this recipe?
No, a regular skillet or grill pan works perfectly to achieve great flavor.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely — the flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.
The Final Bite
This Chicken Tikka Masala is everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner — creamy, spiced, and full of flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. The sauce is velvety, the chicken is tender, and the spices blend into a perfect balance of warmth and richness.
Serve it with basmati rice, naan, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. It’s proof that making your favorite takeout dish at home can be easy, delicious, and rewarding.