Tender, smoky grilled chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, Chicken Tikka Masala is the kind of dish that instantly elevates any meal. Whether you’re serving it with fluffy rice, buttery naan, or soft chapati, this curry is sure to win hearts (and compliments!). Trust me, once you try this restaurant-style Chicken Tikka Masala, you’ll be reaching for seconds, maybe even thirds.
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Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most loved Indian dishes around the world. There’s always been some debate about its origin; some say it was born in the UK, while others insist it’s Indian through and through. Wherever it came from, there’s no denying its place as a global favorite.
So, what exactly is it? In simple terms, Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish where juicy, marinated pieces of boneless chicken are grilled or pan-seared, then cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce made from tomatoes, onions, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a mildly spiced curry that’s bursting with bold flavor and comfort in every bite.
After lots of trial and error (and plenty of taste testing!), I’ve finally perfected my version of Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make using everyday ingredients. The secret lies in how we prepare and layer those simple ingredients, just like they do in your favorite Indian restaurant.
So go ahead, and give this recipe a try. Whether it’s a special weekend dinner or just a craving for something delicious, this Chicken Tikka Masala is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This easy chicken tikka masala recipe pairs nicely with most Indian food, like jeera rice, basmati rice, and naan bread.
Read the detailed recipe on how to make juicy and smoky chicken tikka kebabs for making tikka masala.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
- Boneless Chicken: Use skinless, boneless chicken pieces, preferably thighs, for their extra juiciness and tenderness. Cut them into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks.
(Chicken breast works too, but it tends to dry out faster—so be sure to marinate it longer for better results.) - Chicken Tikka Marinade: Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder or Paprika, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala, Salt, Ginger-Garlic Paste, Yogurt or Hung Curd (for extra creaminess), and Oil or Melted Butter (adds richness and helps with grilling).
- Tikka Masala Sauce: Oil or Butter, Onion finely chopped, Ginger-Garlic Paste, Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder (adjust to taste), Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Tomato Puree, Salt to taste, 1/2 cup Water, 1/2 cup Fresh Cream or Heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture), 2–3 Green Chilies slit, 1/2 tsp Garam Masala, Fresh Coriander Leaves for garnish.
A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found on the Recipe Card below.
How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala
Step by Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
1. Prep the Chicken:
Cut boneless, skinless chicken (preferably thighs) into 1 to 1.5-inch chunks.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with: turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, ginger garlic paste, hung curd or thick yogurt.
3. Marinate:
Mix everything well so the chicken is evenly coated.
Let it marinate for at least 1 hour — but if you want truly juicy, flavorful chicken, overnight in the fridge is best.
Grill or Cook the Chicken
4. You can cook the marinated chicken using any of the following methods:
- In the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and place the chicken pieces on it, or skewer the pieces and place them on a rack. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a slightly charred effect, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. - On a Grill:
Preheat your grill and cook the chicken on skewers or a grill rack for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through. Brush the chicken with some butter to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- On the Stove:
Heat a grill pan or regular pan with a bit of oil or butter. Cook the chicken pieces on medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, turning until all sides are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Tikka Masala Sauce
5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until lightly browned.
6. Stir in 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste.
7. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
8. Then add in the spices, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder.
9. Cook for 15–20 seconds, just until the spices are fragrant.
10. Pour in 1 cup of tomato puree and stir.
11. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala — about 4–5 minutes.
12. Add 1/2 cup of water and salt to taste. Bring it to a gentle boil.
13. Stir in 1/2 cup of fresh cream (or heavy cream). I also sometimes like to substitute it with crème fraiche to reduce the sweetness of the sauce.
14. Add 1/2 tsp garam masala, and 2–3 slit green chilies. Let it simmer for a minute.
Combine and Serve
15. Toss the grilled chicken tikka pieces into the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and cook for 5–10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
16. Finish with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro (coriander leaves).
Your Chicken Tikka Masala is ready! Serve it with steamed rice, naan, or chapati for a comforting, restaurant-style meal at home.
Tips & Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- For extra smoky flavor, briefly place a hot coal in a small bowl inside the pot, add a drop of ghee, and cover for 2 minutes.
- Adjust the chili level to your spice preference.
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Watch How To Make
Chicken Tikka Masala – Restaurant-Style at Home
Video
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 800 g boneless skinless chicken (preferably thighs), cut into 1–1.5 inch pieces
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 cup thick yogurt or hung curd
- 1–2 tbsp oil or melted butter
For the Tikka Masala Sauce:
- 1–2 tbsp oil or butter
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 cup tomato puree
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh cream or whipping cream
- 2–3 green chilies slit
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 handful Fresh coriander cilantro leaves, chopped – for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with all marinade ingredients until well coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Choose one of the following methods:
- Oven: Preheat to 220°C (425°F). Place chicken on a lined tray and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for a few minutes at the end for charred edges.
- Grill: Cook on a preheated grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Stovetop: Cook on a grill pan with a bit of oil over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Make the Sauce
- Heat oil or butter in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until light golden.
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell is gone.
- Stir in turmeric, red chili, cumin, and coriander powders. Sauté for 15–20 seconds.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 4–5 minutes until oil starts to separate.
- Add water and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in cream, garam masala, and slit green chilies. Simmer for 1 minute.
Finish the Dish
- Add grilled chicken pieces to the sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 5–10 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with rice, naan, or chapati.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- If you use chicken breast instead of thighs, or swap cream for light cream/yogurt, the calorie and fat content will be lower.
- For extra smoky flavor, briefly place a hot coal in a small bowl inside the pot, add a drop of ghee, and cover for 2 minutes.
- Adjust the chili level to your spice preference.
Nutrition (Estimates Only)
FAQs
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This tikka masala recipe looks amazing! My mouth is watering at the thought of making this soon. Pinned for later!
Thank you so much!!
This sounds wonderful. I love Indian food and chicken tikka masala is one of my all-time favorites. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. I need to try making this! Yumm!