Chicken Tikka Masala
A comforting and flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala with tender chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
- Heat oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (discard excess marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the ground coriander and cumin for an additional minute to enhance their flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another few minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Tikka Masala warm, with rice or naan.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust spice levels to your preference.