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A bowl of homemade chicken tikka masala recipe, showing creamy sauce and tender chicken, garnished with cilantro.

Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe (That Beats Takeout!)

This homemade chicken tikka masala recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with tender, marinated chicken in a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced tomato sauce. A foolproof guide for the enthusiastic home cook.
Prep Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade (Tikka)
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Masala Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Skillet or Grill

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth. Add the chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. Cook the chicken until cooked through and slightly charred. You can grill on skewers, pan-fry in a hot skillet with oil, or broil in the oven.
  3. While the chicken cooks, heat ghee or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft (5-7 minutes). Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and 1 tbsp minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar.
  6. Crush the kasoori methi between your palms and add to the sauce. Season with salt to taste. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Don't rush the marinade; overnight is best for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the richest sauce.
Crush the dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) in your palms before adding to the sauce to release their aromatic oils.