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Chicken Tikka Masala

Deliciously Cozy Chicken Tikka Masala You'll Crave Again

A comforting Chicken Tikka Masala that combines British and Indian flavors with juicy marinated chicken in a creamy tomato curry.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: British, Indian
Calories: 563

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 kg Boneless Chicken Thighs Substituting with chicken breasts may result in a drier curry.
  • 200 g Greek Yogurt Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tbsp Garam Masala Use freshly ground for best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can work but without the smoky kick.
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin Best to use if available.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Powdered ginger can substitute but lacks vibrancy.
  • 4 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic enhances the flavor significantly.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust based on your preference.
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots can be a suitable alternative.
  • 200 g Tomato Puree Canned crushed tomatoes will work too.
  • 150 ml Heavy Cream Full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro Parsley can be a milder substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Oil Vegetable, canola, or ghee can enhance the richness.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • bowl
  • Blender

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and salt until well combined. Add the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, marinate overnight.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add more oil if needed. Add the diced medium onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and a pinch of ground cumin and paprika.
  4. Stir in the tomato puree and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened. Puree the sauce until smooth and return it to the skillet.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Let it simmer on low for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve hot alongside basmati rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 563kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 36gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For the fullest flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Ensure you blend the sauce until completely smooth for a restaurant-quality finish.

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