Craving the rich, creamy, and fragrant flavors of a restaurant-quality chicken tikka masala? This easy chicken tikka masala recipe is your answer. It delivers all the authentic taste you love, simplified into a straightforward process perfect for any weeknight. Forget complicated steps and hard-to-find ingredients; we’re focusing on smart techniques and pantry staples to bring this iconic Indian dish to your table.
This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants maximum flavor with minimum fuss. We’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing the deep, aromatic flavors that make this dish a global favorite. Get ready to impress yourself, your family, and your friends.
Why This is the Easiest Tikka Masala You’ll Ever Make
We’ve broken down the process to ensure success. The secret lies in a potent yet simple yogurt marinade and a rich, tomato-based sauce (or “gravy”) that comes together in one pan. By using common spices and canned tomatoes, you get that classic slow-simmered taste in under an hour.
- Accessible Ingredients: No need to visit a specialty store. Every ingredient is easily found at your local supermarket.
- One-Pan Sauce: The sauce comes together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more flavor.
- Quick Marinade: Just 30 minutes is all you need for the chicken to absorb incredible flavor before cooking.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
The magic of this easy chicken tikka masala is in its spice blend. While the list might seem long, these are mostly common spices you likely already have. They work together to create a symphony of flavor that is truly irresistible.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs will offer a richer flavor and more moisture.
- Plain Yogurt: This is the key to tenderizing the chicken. Full-fat yogurt is best.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly grated is always superior for a vibrant, aromatic base.
- Spices: A simple but powerful blend of garam masala, turmeric, and cumin.
For the Masala Sauce:
- Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes provide the perfect consistency and deep flavor for the sauce base.
- Onion, Garlic & Ginger: The foundational trio for almost any great curry.
- Spice Blend: We’ll use more garam masala, plus paprika for color, and a touch of cayenne for heat.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its signature creamy, luxurious finish. For a lighter option, you can use coconut milk.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Follow these simple steps for a flawless finish. The process is broken down into marinating the chicken, cooking it, and then creating the iconic sauce right in the same pan.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, grated garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Stir until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for even more flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish simmering in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Build the Masala Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the garam masala, paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 30 seconds until the spices are toasted and aromatic.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and a splash of water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka Masala
Even an easy recipe has a few tricks to elevate it from good to great. Here are my top tips for making this dish unforgettable.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in the tenderness and flavor of the chicken.
- Toast Your Spices: Cooking the ground spices in the pan for about 30 seconds before adding the liquids “blooms” them, intensifying their flavor.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your personal preference. For a milder curry, you can omit it entirely.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: Add the cream at the end over low heat. Boiling it can cause it to curdle.
For another classic Indian dish, try this incredible easy butter chicken recipe (coming soon).
What to Serve with Your Masterpiece
Chicken Tikka Masala is a star, but every star needs a supporting cast. The creamy, flavorful sauce is perfect for soaking up with warm breads or spooning over fluffy rice.
Classic Pairings:
- Basmati Rice: Simple, fluffy basmati rice is the perfect neutral canvas.
- Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is essential for scooping up every last bit of the delicious sauce. Give our homemade naan recipe (coming soon) a try!
- Raita: A cooling cucumber and yogurt sauce that provides a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Easy Chicken Tikka Masala (Restaurant-Style at Home)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Stir to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 2 tsp garam masala, paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. To make it dairy-free, substitute the plain yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond) and replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });Store any leftover chicken tikka masala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });This recipe is mildly spicy. The heat comes from the cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne for a milder dish, or adding more for a spicier kick.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });Garam masala is key to the flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 part cumin with 1/4 part allspice. For a better substitute, combine equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, and black pepper.
ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); });While similar, the main difference is in the sauce. Chicken tikka masala has a more complex, spicier flavor profile with a robust tomato base, whereas butter chicken is typically milder, sweeter, and has a higher butter and cream content.
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We hope you love this easy chicken tikka masala recipe! It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love our 15-minute chicken korma (coming soon).
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